In the first days, traumatologists recommend that the patient rest relatively, limit weight bearing and use two crutches when walking.
One of the most used surgical techniques is arthroscopy. It is a minimally invasive procedure that causes virtually no pain and allows for a much faster recovery.
It basically consists of introducing a guide equipped with a camera through a small incision (1 centimeter). At first this technique was used only as a diagnostic method to observe the state of the joint, but now, in the same act, the joint can also be treated. injury that is detected.
Although it is used in many locations of the anatomy, its use when there are knee problems is very common. But, despite being a very simple intervention, to achieve complete recovery of the knee joint after performing an arthroscopy, the specialists at Traumatology service of the Quirónsalud Bizkaia Hospital They explain what promotes recovery and what is best to avoid after this surgery.
What to do after an arthroscopy?
“As a general recommendation, it is advisable that the patient keep relative rest, limit weight bearing and use two crutches when walking. For a couple of days the knee will be bandaged and later the bandage can be replaced by a soft compression stocking that will be worn for the day, says traumatologist José Salcedo.
But traumatologists face many questions from patients after performing this intervention, questions such as whether the wound can be wet, whether they should put cold or light on the joint.
Regarding these very basic issues, the rheumatologists at the Biscayan hospital clarify that, regarding showering, the patient can do so without problem, “the key is to dry the wound afterwards, apply an antiseptic (iodine, chlorhexidine, etc.) and cover with a dressing. or band-aid”.
Regarding the application of cold or heat, specialists point out that it is best to apply cold, especially after performing recovery exercises.
In the first days, traumatologists recommend that the patient rest relatively.
|
Most suitable exercises to recover from arthroscopy
As the rest that must be done after the intervention must be relative, doubts may arise about what movements we can do safely. Basque rheumatologists indicate a series of knee exercises:
- Raise your straight leg up to a hand’s breadth from the ground and hold for 5 seconds.
- Bend your leg as much as the discomfort allows, “unless a meniscal suture has been performed in which case it will only bend until it forms a right angle with the knee,” experts warn.
- Press the back of the knee against the floor while flexing the ankle as much as possible for 5 seconds
Each of these exercises should be done 10 repetitions 3 times a day.
In addition to the exercises, the patient must keep in mind that he will have to take daily injections of anticoagulant (heparin) “for 10 days to avoid the formation of blood clots in the legs, except in those under 15 years of age,” says Dr. Salcedo.
More medication is not usually necessary, “usually antibiotics are not necessary because it is a clean surgery.”
Finally, the removal of stitches or staples “is usually 10-14 days after surgery; after this the patient can progressively remove one of the crutches and the compression stocking if the leg does not swell” indicates the head of service. .
Rehabilitation and return to sports activity
Another question that a patient may ask if they are going to undergo knee arthroscopy is whether they will need to undergo rehabilitation. Well, from the Traumatology service they point out that “normally it is not necessary to do rehabilitation, but if the evolution is slow we can resort to it.”
Finally, there is the question of how to resume the physical activity that was carried out before the intervention. On this matter, the traumatologists at Quirónsalud Bizkaia offer some guidelines:
- Once the stitches or staples have been removed, the recommendation is that during the first month you begin with gentle activity (walkcycling, swimming…).
- “From a month and a half, if the patient feels well, they can increase the effort, jog lightly, and if a meniscal suture was performed, increase flexion.”
- Finally, specialists insist that contact sports (football, basketball…) and pivoting on the operated leg (tennis, trail…) should be avoided until 3 months after surgery.