IS ARTHROSCOPIC KNEE SURGERY USEFUL?

Arthroscopic knee surgery refers to a surgical procedure used to treat knee joint problems; It involves the use of a small fiber-optic video camera called an arthroscope that is inserted through a small hole-sized incision in the knee joint to view inside, which is transmitted to a high-definition video monitor. , to help the surgeon. diagnose and repair the problem.

Arthroscopic surgeries can be used to treat knee injuries that include a torn meniscus, torn anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments, dislocated patella, removal of Baker's cysts, knee fractures, or inflammation of the synovium (lining of the joint).

All of these conditions cause pain, which can be uncomfortable. Similarly, mild osteoarthritis pain can also be a nuisance and even when associated with a degenerative meniscus tear, it is now increasingly recognized that arthroscopic surgery may not really be the treatment mode of choice for this. since the benefits only last a short time and could even be detrimental in the long term. For years, orthopedic surgeons have routinely offered "cleaning" or debridement by arthroscopic surgery for such cases, but within six months, improvements in pain and mobility become negligible; the benefits were no better than conservative and nonsurgical treatment. The question then arises: is arthroscopic surgery for meniscal tears really worth it in the presence of mild to severe osteoarthritis? It was found that there is improvement over time, either with or without surgery, so why take the unnecessary risk of surgery and the additional expense?

Aside from cost, it has been found that non-surgical interventions should play a larger role, especially in middle-aged and elderly patients. Exercise has been found to be a more effective treatment for chronic pain and mobility than pain relievers and arthroscopic surgery. It can also reduce the chances of complications from surgery, as each year people die from blood clots in the legs and lungs after surgery.

Conservative treatments offer better results with little or no risk involved; One can begin by modifying their daily activities and giving their knees "time to rest" while also taking anti-inflammatory pills and switching to an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce the inflammations of mild arthritis. Some may benefit from special exercise or physical therapy regimens to strengthen their knees. In some cases, steroid injections or platelet-rich plasma injections may also be considered, depending on the extent of the affliction.

For patients with a degenerative meniscus tear, there is only a short-term benefit from arthroscopic surgery, as the pain is due to the arthritis and not the meniscus tear. Nonsurgical treatments like rest, exercise, and pain relievers also provide the same relief.

But note here that pain due to injury or insult to healthy knees benefits from this surgery compared to arthritic knees.

People should not feel compelled to seek surgical relief, but instead opt for traditional therapy such as ice packs, pain relievers, weight loss, moderating activities, etc.

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