Preparing for surgery
Before having an arthroscopy, you will usually be given an appointment to attend a pre-admission clinic.
During your appointment your general fitness will be assessed to ensure that you are ready for surgery. You will also be given information about issues such as:
- what and when you are allowed to eat and drink on the day of the surgery
- how long it will take for you to recover from surgery
- whether you will need to do rehabilitation exercises after surgery
The surgical team will explain the benefits and risks that are associated with having an arthroscopy. You will also be asked to sign a consent form to confirm that you agree to have the operation and that you understand what is involved.
The arthroscopy procedure
An arthroscopy is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, although occasionally it can be performed under local anaesthetic. Your anaesthetist will explain which type of anaesthetic is most suitable for you. In some cases you may be able to express a preference. An anaesthetist is a doctor who has received specialist training in giving people anaesthetic.
If you have a local anaesthetic your joint will be numbed so that you do not feel any pain. However, you may still feel some sensations during the procedure, such as a mild tugging, as the surgeon works on the joint.
An arthroscopy will usually take 30 to 40 minutes to complete, although more extensive surgery can sometimes last for up to an hour.
An anti-bacterial fluid will be used to clean the skin over the affected joint. A small incision, a few millimetres long, will then be made to enable the arthroscope to be inserted.
One or more additional incisions will also be made so that an examining probe, or other instruments that may be required during the procedure, can be inserted.
The surgeon may fill your joint with a sterile fluid to expand it and make it easier to view. The surgeon will be able to see inside your joint using an eyepiece or a video screen. If possible, during the procedure, they will repair any damaged areas and remove any unwanted tissue.
After the procedure is complete, the arthroscope plus any attachments will be removed along with any excess fluid from the joint. The incisions will be closed using paper tape or stitches. A sterile dressing will be used to cover the incisions and the joint may also be bandaged.
