Today, there are many diseases that can be dealt with using minimally invasive methods. This article will consider such a procedure as arthroscopy of the knee joint: recovery after surgery, as well as the most important rehabilitation measures that will help a person get to his feet as quickly as possible.
Terminology
Initially, you need to determine the terms that will be used in this article. Consider the concept of arthroscopy. Like most medical terms, it is of Latin origin. So, the first part (arthro) in translation is a joint, and the second (skopien) means “watch”. If you literally translate the name itself, you can understand that arthroscopy is “watch the joint”.
Medicine, however, gives a more accurate and detailed definition. So, arthroscopy is a modern minimally invasive method of surgical intervention, in which specialists examine the internal structure of the knee joint, as well as the content of a special joint cavity.
Basic about the procedure
Further we consider such a procedure as arthroscopy of the knee joint. Recovery after surgery will not be as long as it was before. And all because the operation itself, as mentioned above, is minimally invasive. And although the surgical intervention itself occurs with the help of surgical instruments, they are so compact and small that the incision will not exceed 10 mm (an average of 5 mm).
So, an arthroscope is inserted into the knee joint , due to which the image of the knee joint will be displayed on the monitor screen. At the same time, the joint itself will be filled with a special fluid, with the help of which the image quality will be improved many times, and the information received will become as complete and reliable as possible. Then, thin surgical instruments are introduced through the incision, which cope with the task.
It is also important to note that such surgery is carried out so carefully that sometimes patients do not even need to take painkillers, they can safely go home a day after the operation.
Recovery time after surgery
What is the result of knee arthroscopy? Recovery after surgery, namely the period until complete recovery, in each case may vary. And there are no exact numbers, because it all depends on many factors:
- how extensive and serious the changes were in the knee joint;
- what measures were taken immediately after the operation.
The healing process itself can also proceed in different ways. However, for everything to go smoothly, it is necessary from the very beginning, immediately after the operation, to observe certain rules of behavior. So, doctors advise that at the first time after the procedure, you should not excessively use and not load the operated joint, so you will have to give up physical activity and long walks. After all, all this can cause swelling, which, of course, will provoke pain.
Generally speaking, a person will be able to get behind the wheel of a car in about 7 days. At the same time, you can return to work if it is “sedentary”. However, it will be possible to fully use the operated joint at the household level no earlier than after 4-6 weeks. And only after a couple of months after surgery, a person will be able to play sports without discomfort and pain. As a small conclusion, we can say: the stronger the manifestations of arthrosis, the longer the recovery period will be.
Doctor visits
If a procedure such as arthroscopy of the knee joint has been performed, recovery after surgery begins with the first visits to the doctor. It should be noted that after such a manipulation a person will remain seams. Over time, they will have to be removed. Also, the doctor will have to observe the patient in order to avoid all kinds of complications. The dressings will be definitely needed, a puncture may be necessary (if the edema is very pronounced). However, the following rules are most important:
- In the first 2-4 days after surgery, the patient definitely needs rest. At this time, it is strictly forbidden to load the leg. Crutches or a cane may be needed to ease the load on the affected limb. It is also important to remember that pain can occur when moving in the knee - this is normal.
- To alleviate discomfort to the knee, it is recommended to apply cold. For example, ice can be used about 4-5 times a day for 15-20 minutes. This will first of all help to cope with the edema that will definitely occur (only the intensity of its manifestation will vary).
- Recovery after arthroscopy of the knee joint will not work without applying a pressure bandage. However, in this case, you need to know that bandaging the leg with an elastic bandage is necessary from the very foot to the middle of the thigh.
- And, of course, during the rest, the leg should be slightly higher than the level of the heart. Have to put it on a small hill (for example, a pillow).
But this is not the most important thing. The necessary recovery after arthroscopy of the knee joint is an exercise that a person should do daily and as diligently as possible. After all, the only way to reduce the period of complete recovery.
A set of exercises for the first week
As already mentioned above, you need to start practicing from an early date, but only under the supervision of your doctor. What exercises will be important in the first time after surgery?
- Training the hind muscles of the thigh. You need to lie on the floor and try to bend your knees as hard as possible until pain appears. So it is necessary to do 10 times.
- What should be the recovery after arthroscopy of the knee joint? Exercise is very important. Next lesson: you need to lie on your stomach, and put a roller under your feet. The essence of the exercise is to put your feet on the roller and “tear” the knees from the couch.
- The next exercise is also done while lying down. A healthy leg in the knee is bent, a sick one - no. The operated limb must be “torn off” from the couch without bending.
- Now you need to conduct a lesson in a standing position. So, the diseased leg will need to be raised by 45 °, keeping on weight for about 5 seconds.
Next set of exercises
In humans, knee arthroscopy was performed. Recovery after surgery, exercise and maximum zeal will help to restore former health as soon as possible. After all, the period of rehabilitation depends on how honestly everyone performs everything. So, the next couple of weeks will need to perform such actions:
- In the supine position (a towel roll lies under the knees), you need to gradually try to bend the sore leg in the knee.
- During this exercise, the operated limb will have to be raised in a straight position, it should be kept on weight for no more than 15 seconds.
- Now you have to stand near the back of the chair. Holding on to her, it will be necessary to start a little squat. In the lowest position should linger for 10 seconds.
- Rehabilitation after arthroscopy of the knee joint will not do without stretching the front of the thigh. So, it is recommended to bend the sore leg in the knee and grab the foot with your hand. So you need to stand for about 5 seconds.
Final exercises
What is the most important after knee arthroscopy has been performed? Recovery after surgery. Testimonials from patients indicate that even after a certain improvement, you should not leave classes. You need to train up to the eighth week after surgery. For a quick recovery, you will need the following exercises:
- Squat a little on one leg, lingering in the lowest position for 5 seconds.
- We slowly climb the small steps.
- The next exercise is in a sitting position. Place the operated leg on a chair while straightening it as much as possible.
- Rehabilitation after arthroscopy of the knee joint also includes stretching the back of the thigh muscles. In this case, you need to grab the sore leg with your hands, alternately bending and unbending it at the knee.
- It is important to note that at this stage it is already possible to use an exercise bike. The maximum amount of time spent on the bike is 10 minutes.
- What else should rehabilitation after knee arthroscopy include? Patient reviews recommend at this time not to be lazy, but walk as much as possible. Not for long, but often. It is important to remember that after such walks the leg should not hurt or swell.
Here, in principle, are all permissible exercises that can be performed without fear, but with the permission of the attending doctor. This will be the ideal recovery after arthroscopy of the knee joint. Reviews of patients indicate that until about 8 weeks after surgery, you should not run. So you can only harm your own health. Doctors are also constantly reminded of this, because too much load on the operated cartilage must be avoided.
Important
What else is important to remember after the knee arthroscopy has been performed? Recovery after surgery (patient reviews - the first confirmation of this) should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Also, all loads should not cause pain or discomfort in the leg. Training should be aimed at improving, but not worsening, the condition of the operated knee joint.
Complications
However, this is not all you need to know about a procedure such as arthroscopy. If an operation was performed on the knee joint, a variety of complications may occur. But here it is important to note that the frequency of their appearance is very low. What postoperative problems can bother? Most often these are infections, thromboses, thrombophlebitis, as well as thromboembolism, when a blockage of a vein or artery occurs. You must immediately seek medical help in such cases:
- There was a fever or chills, significantly increased body temperature.
- Pain is felt in the operated knee joint, there is redness.
- The patient does not pass or pain gradually builds up.
- Severe swelling in the area of the operated joint.
- There was chest pain, shortness of breath, breathing became difficult.
Remember: the earlier a person seeks qualified help, the sooner he will receive effective treatment.