| Now it's time to talk about the actual procedure your doctor has recommended for you.
|
|  | |
|
|
|
On the day of your operation, you will be asked to put on a surgical gown. |
| |
|
You may receive a sedative by mouth and |
| |
|
an intravenous line may be put in. |
| |
|
You will then be transferred to the operating table. |
| |
|
In the operating room, a nurse will begin preparation by clipping or shaving your leg. |
| |
|
The surgeon will then apply antiseptic solution to the skin around the knee... |
| |
|
... and then place a sterile drape around the operative site. |
| |
|
The anesthesiologist will begin to numb the lower body by injecting a drug into the small of your back. |
|
|
|
Before your doctor can insert the arthroscope, |
| |
|
the surgical team will inject a clear fluid into the joint. This fluid will inflate the interior space, and will help your doctor by providing an unobstructed view. |
| |
|
Once in place the arthroscope... |
| |
|
will provide video images ... |
| |
|
so the surgeon can insert the instruments through one or more small openings. |
|
|
|
After inspecting the extent of the damage to the meniscus, your doctor will repair the meniscus with tiny staples, |
| |
|
...or remove it altogether. |
| |
|
Finally, all the instruments are withdrawn... |
| |
|
and the clear fluid is allowed to drain from the knee. |
| |
|
Following surgery, sterile dressings are applied. To aid in healing, your knee may be stabilized with a brace and you will be encouraged to use crutches during the recovery process. |
