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Outpatient arthroscopy of the knee under local anaesthesia
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Horsens Hospital, Denmark.
Abstract:
Arthroscopy of the knee was carried out under local anaesthesia in 313 outpatients, with arthroscopic surgery in 81. The procedure had to be abandoned because of apprehension in only 0.9%. With increasing experience, the number of arthroscopic meniscectomies increased from 5% to 64% of the lesions found. The method was particularly valuable in the assessment of patello-femoral pain since dynamic evaluation of patellar alignment, and the localisation of sensitive structures by palpation, was possible. The method is a safe, reliable and inexpensive alternative to the use of spinal or general anaesthesia for arthroscopy.
Insights
Knee arthroscopy under local anesthesia is safe and effective for outpatients, enabling same-day surgery for many. This minimally invasive approach provides reliable assessment and treatment for knee conditions, including patellofemoral pain.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
Background:
- Arthroscopy is a common orthopedic procedure.
- Local anesthesia offers potential benefits for outpatient surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of knee arthroscopy performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
- To assess the utility of local anesthesia for arthroscopic knee surgery, including meniscectomy and patellofemoral pain evaluation.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 313 outpatients undergoing knee arthroscopy under local anesthesia.
- Data collection on procedure abandonment rates, types of procedures performed (e.g., meniscectomy), and diagnostic capabilities.
Main Results:
- Procedure abandonment due to apprehension occurred in only 0.9% of cases.
- Arthroscopic meniscectomy rates increased with surgeon experience.
- Effective for assessing patellofemoral pain through dynamic evaluation and palpation.
Conclusions:
- Knee arthroscopy under local anesthesia is a safe, reliable, and cost-effective alternative to general or spinal anesthesia.
- This technique is well-tolerated by outpatients and facilitates same-day surgical interventions.