St. Louis, MO Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Cost Comparison

• Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Types in St. Louis
• Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Providers in St. Louis

Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Cost and Procedure Introduction

Arthroscopic knee surgery is an arthroscopic procedure performed through small incisions, using an instrument called an arthroscope. The arthroscope (or “scope”) is a tube that contains a camera and other surgical instruments. Surgeons use this procedure to diagnose and treat knee problems such as torn meniscus, misaligned kneecap (patella) or torn ligaments. Arthroscopic knee surgeries are performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility by an orthopedic surgeon. Patients are usually able to come home the day of the surgery, typically one to two hours after the procedure. Most patients can resume normal activities after the surgery, though the timeline varies greatly depending on the severity of the issue.

Patient Preparation for Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

A physical examination will be performed along with blood or other diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and MRIs. It is particularly important to inform the physician of all medications or vitamins taken regularly or if you are pregnant (or think you might be pregnant). Tell your doctor if you have heart, lung or other medical conditions that may need special attention and, finally, if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin or other medications that affect blood clotting. You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for the surgery; be sure to read and follow those instructions. You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. You will need to make arrangements for transportation after the surgery is complete. If you are given a prescription for pain medication, have it filled prior to surgery.

What to Expect During and After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

The surgery itself usually takes less than an hour, though it could take longer and depends of the severity of the problem. The preparation and recovery time may take several hours. An intravenous line is inserted into the arm to administer a sedative and a painkiller. Your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure. In most cases, the procedure is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free), though local or regional anesthetics are sometimes used. Typically, arthroscopic surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon, who will make a few small incisions around the kneecap. After inserting the arthroscope, the surgeon will locate the problem via a monitor attached to the camera in the scope. The surgeon will then correct the issue using the surgical tools contained in the arthroscope. After incisions are closed — using a stitch or steri-strip — your knee will be wrapped in a soft bandage.

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be discharged to your home. Before being discharged, you will be given instructions about care for your incisions, limits on activities and what you should do to aid your recovery. If you notice any of the following, call the number the hospital gave you: Fever, excessive sweating, difficulty urinating, redness, bleeding or worsening pain.