Our Summary

The research paper is about knee arthroscopy, a common surgical procedure done on the knee. The researchers wanted to find out how risky this surgery is and how it compares to the general population who didn’t undergo this surgery.

They looked at people aged 15-84 who had knee arthroscopy between 2005 and 2016 in southern Sweden. They focused on the risk of certain complications within 30 days of the surgery, including pyogenic arthritis (a severe infection that can destroy a joint), venous thromboembolism (a blood clot that starts in a vein), and other typical complications.

They found out that 18,735 people had the knee surgery (average age of 39) and compared them to 1,171,084 people who didn’t have the surgery (average age of 46). The risk of having one or more complications after the surgery was 1.1%, while it was only 0.16% for the people who didn’t have the surgery. This means that the chance of having any complication after the surgery was about 9.4 times higher than the people who didn’t have the surgery.

The risk of getting pyogenic arthritis was 115 times higher, the risk of venous thromboembolism was 6.8 times higher, and the risk of other complications was 7.7 times higher for the people who had the surgery.

However, the researchers concluded that although the risks are higher, they are still low overall (about 1%). But they also found that 5% of all pyogenic knee arthritis cases in adults are linked to knee arthroscopy. Therefore, they suggest that these risks should be carefully considered when deciding on treatment.

FAQs

  1. What is the risk of complications following knee arthroscopy compared to those who don’t undergo the procedure?
  2. How much higher is the risk of getting pyogenic arthritis, venous thromboembolism, and other complications after knee arthroscopy?
  3. What is the conclusion of the researchers about the risks associated with knee arthroscopy?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient considering arthroscopy to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of the surgery. They may recommend discussing alternative treatment options and potential complications with their healthcare provider before making a decision. Additionally, the doctor may stress the importance of following post-operative care instructions to reduce the risk of complications and promote a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended arthroscopy are those who have certain knee conditions that can be treated through this minimally invasive surgical procedure. These conditions may include torn meniscus, damaged cartilage, ligament injuries, or knee joint inflammation.

It is important for patients and their healthcare providers to carefully weigh the potential benefits of arthroscopy against the risks involved, as shown in the research study. While the overall risk of complications after knee arthroscopy is relatively low, there is still a significant increase in risk compared to those who do not undergo the surgery.

Therefore, patients who are considering arthroscopy should have a thorough discussion with their healthcare provider about the potential risks and benefits, as well as alternative treatment options. This can help ensure that the decision to undergo arthroscopy is made based on a clear understanding of the potential outcomes.

Timeline

Before arthroscopy:

  1. Patient experiences knee pain or injury and consults with a doctor.
  2. Doctor recommends arthroscopy as a treatment option.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests.
  4. Surgery date is scheduled.

After arthroscopy:

  1. Patient undergoes arthroscopic knee surgery.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room and may stay overnight in the hospital.
  3. Patient is given pain medication and instructions for post-operative care.
  4. Patient may need physical therapy to aid in recovery.
  5. Patient follows up with the surgeon for post-operative evaluations.
  6. Patient resumes normal activities gradually as advised by the surgeon.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about knee arthroscopy include:

  1. What are the potential complications or risks associated with knee arthroscopy?
  2. How do the risks of knee arthroscopy compare to other treatment options for my knee condition?
  3. What measures will be taken to reduce the risk of complications during and after the surgery?
  4. How many knee arthroscopy procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  5. Are there any specific factors about my health or knee condition that may increase my risk of complications from knee arthroscopy?
  6. How long is the recovery period after knee arthroscopy, and what can I do to optimize my recovery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider before opting for knee arthroscopy?
  8. What is the likelihood of needing additional surgeries or treatments after knee arthroscopy in the future?
  9. How will knee arthroscopy improve my knee function and quality of life in the long term?
  10. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after knee arthroscopy to prevent complications?

Reference

Authors: Friberger Pajalic K, Turkiewicz A, Englund M. Journal: BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2018 Jun 1;19(1):179. doi: 10.1186/s12891-018-2102-y. PMID: 29859074