Knee
Arthroscopy of the knee joint
An arthroscope is a fibre optic telescope that can be inserted through a very small surgical incision (keyhole surgery).A camera attached to the arthroscope allows a picture to be visualized on a TV monitor. Through a separate small incision, surgical instruments can be inserted to manage a number of conditions.
The most common indication for a knee arthroscopy is a torn cartilage(meniscus). In this setting the cartilage is trimmed to give a stable rim. Other indications for knee arthroscopy include removal of loose bodies.
This surgery is done as a day only procedure where the patient is generally allowed to weight bear immediately following surgery.
For more information :
AAOS, Ortho Info:
Arthritis Australia:
Knee replacement
A total knee replacement involves replacing the arthritic knee joint with an artificial joint made out of metal and plastic. This is a very common procedure and is most commonly done for osteoarthritis (wear and tear).Other indications include inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or for avascular necrosis.
The surgery is indicated if non operative measures such as simple analgesics, anti-inflammatories and weight loss have failed.
The aim of the surgery is to relieve pain and allow patients to return to their normal activities of daily living.
The average age of knee replacement in Australia is 70 years although the surgery is occasionally done in younger patients particularly for conditions such as haemophillia.
The decision to proceed with surgery is made by the patient in conjunction with family, the general practitioner and A/Prof Horsley.
For more information :
AAOS, Ortho Info:
Arthritis Australia:
The following graph shows results by the National Joint Registry for incidence of revision
knee replacements. The lower line indicates the outcome at 10 years post primary
replacement for A/Prof Horsley, showing that A/Prof Horsley has a lower revision replacement
rate in comparison.
