Arthroscopic knee surgery is a minimally invasive operation in which your orthopedic doctor can treat or diagnose knee injuries – like a torn meniscus (knee cartilage), ACL injury (torn knee ligament), and bone shards or a bone spur in the joint. It’s typically an outpatient procedure, requiring a significantly shorter recovery period than that of open surgery.
Your orthopedic surgeon is the best person to provide information about the procedure, because every knee operation is different. Let’s talk about some of the key actions to take before having arthroscopic knee surgery, and where you can go in North Dakota for outstanding orthopedic care.
Preparation for Knee Arthroscopy
Here are some preparations your doctor may recommend before you undergo arthroscopic knee surgery:
Familiarize Yourself with Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Any kind of surgery can make a patient have certain questions and reservations. Do not hesitate to ask your surgeon about the operation and what to expect during and after recovery. You can even ask your doctor about what their other patients have experienced after having this procedure done.
Tell Your Orthopedic Surgeon About Existing Health Conditions
Be sure to disclose any underlying health conditions you have. That way, they can ensure that your health issues and medications don’t interfere with the procedure and recovery.
Inform the Orthopedic Doctor About All Medications and Supplements
Also inform the surgeon about any medications you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, and nutritional supplements. If you take blood thinners, the doctor may ask you to forgo these medicines for a brief period before the surgery in order to avoid any bleeding issues.
Arrange for Known Transportation
Even though arthroscopic knee surgery is minimally invasive, you will still undergo anesthesia. You will most likely not be allowed to drive home, and the surgery center will not allow you to leave with a stranger (for legal purposes and for your own safety) – so be sure to ask a close friend or family member beforehand to be ready to drive you home.
Wear Loose Clothing
Be sure to wear loose-fitting clothing that you can get in and out of easily. You’ll change into a hospital gown for the surgery, but you’ll have to get back into your clothes afterward, and it will have to fit over the surgical site without disturbing it.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery in North Dakota
If you’re looking for arthroscopic knee surgery services in North Dakota, look no further than The Bone & Joint Center. We are here to provide an efficient evaluation of your knee, and to explain your options for achieving relief from knee pain or post-injury pain in your knee. We can then administer or perform the treatment you prefer.
We have board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic knee surgeons like Dr. Bopp, Dr. Carlson, and Dr. Dahl, who all have years of experience in knee arthroscopy. If you want to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment, you may reach us at (800) 424-2663 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We have 11 locations across North Dakota, and we look forward to serving you at our location nearest you!
