Can arthroscopic surgery help knee arthritis?

An international panel of surgeons and patients has challenged the effectiveness of one of the most common orthopedic procedures and recommended strongly against the use of arthroscopic surgery for patients with degenerative knee problems.

How long does it take to recover from arthroscopic knee surgery?

You will probably need about 6 weeks to recover. If your doctor repaired damaged tissue, recovery will take longer. You may have to limit your activity until your knee strength and movement are back to normal. You may also be in a physical rehabilitation (rehab) program.

Can knee arthritis be cleaned out?

Your knee can be cleaned or flushed to remove loose bone or cartilage pieces that may be causing pain. Most people can get back to their usual activities a few days later. The recovery usually isn’t painful. Arthroscopic surgery may provide short-term relief from pain and possibly delay more complex surgery.

How painful is a knee replacement?

For all replacements, the incision site will likely still be tender and painful. For knees, the arthritic pain is gone, but pain levels will be higher. Patients report feeling moderate but tolerable pain.

What is the recovery time for knee surgery?

The short-term recovery time after a knee replacement surgery spans somewhere between 6 to 12 weeks. During the first two days after the surgery, the patient is made to stand with support and is made to do a few exercises.

What is the recovery time for a knee scope?

For most patients, a knee arthroscopy is a minor procedure that requires a recovery period of one to two months. Of course, your specific recovery will depend upon the scope of your operation and your medical history, but with this minimally invasive procedure, you can expect to be pain-free and mobile in no time at all.

What are the side effects of knee surgery?

More likely side effects of knee surgery include swelling and pain. The risks for intra-operative complications increase with the difficulty of the surgery. The most common complications associated during major knee surgery include artery or major nerve damage.

What new treatments are there for knee osteoarthritis?

A New Knee Arthritis Treatment Alternative: Arterial Embolization. Osteoarthritis of the knee can be a very disabling condition. Common treatments for arthritis of the knee includes anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, braces and injections.