Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes by a traumatologist.
In Zaporizhia, arthroscopy is performed by highly qualified doctors using the most modern equipment at the Rudenko Medical Center.
Like any invasive procedure, arthroscopy requires a considered approach from a specialist and, most importantly, a competent approach to rehabilitation after the procedure, the success of which will entirely depend on the patient's responsible attitude to the doctor's recommendations.
The advantages of arthroscopy are difficult to overestimate:
- The shortest rehabilitation period
- No significant blood loss
- Low level of postoperative complications
- Cosmetic sutures, no scars
- No need for hospitalization
- No need for general anesthesia (anesthesia)
- Possibility of administering medications during the procedure and taking material from the knee joint structures
Arthroscopy allows you to diagnose many pathological changes and diseases of the joints that cause difficulties in standard diagnostic methods. The arthroscopy procedure is performed for any joint, in particular for the shoulder, knee and hip joints. At the Rudenko Medical Center, arthroscopy is most commonly performed for the knee and ankle joints. It is less commonly used for the hip and shoulder joints.
The specialists of the Rudenko Medical Center draw your attention to the main points that will be important for the successful course of rehabilitation.
Early postoperative period:
Performing arthroscopy requires the patient to stay in the hospital, if necessary, for only one day. During this time, our medical center provides:
- Patient stay in comfortable ergonomic wards
- Surgical treatment of wounds, dressings
- Adequate, timely and high-quality pain relief
- Cold compresses to reduce swelling
- A complete balanced diet
- 24-hour supervision by medical staff
- Consultations with related specialists as needed
Also, during this day, the specialists of our center teach the patient a complex of rehabilitation measures, developed personally for each patient, aimed at understanding how to move correctly, stand up, sit down, learn to dose physical activity on the operated joint, and recognize the first symptoms that require consulting a doctor.
Rehabilitation after discharge from the hospital
Specialists of the Rudenko Medical Center provide full personal postoperative rehabilitation support to the patient until the end of the recovery period. In general, it will last from 2 to 4 weeks in the case of a diagnostic intervention, in the case of a procedure with a therapeutic purpose, rehabilitation can last up to 3-4 months.
Recovery after arthroscopy will begin the very next day after the procedure.
Physical activity after arthroscopy
The main thing that patients are always interested in is how soon will I be able to walk normally?
At the beginning of rehabilitation, minimal physical activity with the support of a cane or crutch will be allowed. Also, the joint should be immobilized with an orthosis to prevent excessive mobility in the operated limb. Therefore, make sure in advance that you have a device that is comfortable for you, or contact our orthopedic doctor for assistance in choosing one.
Moderate walking at a slow pace will allow you to maintain the functional activity of the joint without overloading it and preventing the development of inflammatory changes.
If arthroscopy was performed due to a sports injury, the rehabilitation specialist will gradually add exercises to the load schedule that will simulate your usual sports activity. This will contribute to a faster return to your routine muscle tone. To fully return to sports, it is necessary to wait for complete recovery after arthroscopy to prevent re-injuries and complications associated with them.
Medication support
Taking painkillers, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs may be prescribed by your doctor as needed. It is necessary to fully comply with the prescription, observing the dosage and frequency of taking the drugs. Drug treatment is aimed at eliminating pain and manifestations of inflammatory processes, which will directly affect the duration of the rehabilitation process.
Healthy lifestyle
Of great importance in the rehabilitation process is adherence to the principles of a healthy lifestyle:
- Normalization of weight to avoid excessive pressure on the operated joint
- A balanced diet that will provide the body with all the necessary nutrients for a quick recovery
- Avoiding alcohol and other bad habits that negatively affect the metabolic processes of our body
Work and rest mode
Getting adequate rest and sleep into your daily routine will directly impact your recovery from arthroscopy. Adjust your work schedule to allow your body to focus more of its resources on recovering from arthroscopy. Find a comfortable sleeping position to minimize trauma to the operated joint. Consider purchasing supportive pillows, such as a pregnancy pillow.
Control during rehabilitation
Regular check-ups with your doctor after arthroscopy will allow you to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures in a timely manner and adjust their intensity and complexity. We recommend planning your visits every 3-4 weeks for effective control of the rehabilitation process.
Individual features
It is worth remembering that each body is unique and has its own pace. Some will need more time to recover, while others will go through rehabilitation quickly and without unnecessary worries.
Do not demand excessive results from your body, especially if you have concomitant diseases and reduced physical activity. Also, older patients will need more time for rehabilitation, since the physiological processes in the body that ensure tissue regeneration are somewhat slowed down and the intensity of physical activity will be lower, so recovery will take longer.
Regardless of the circumstances, time and effort will definitely bring successful results. To do this, it is worth understanding that complete trust in doctors and cooperation with them is the key to the most effective results. Discipline, gradualness and responsible adherence to the rehabilitation plan developed by our specialists will ensure full recovery of the joint without contractures and movement restrictions.
Rudenko Medical Center is a unique combination of many years of experience, highly qualified specialists, and world-class standards of medical care. All this creates the best conditions for obtaining results with maximum efficiency.
Entrust us with the most important thing – your health – and rest assured, we will do everything we can to help you.