Office arthroscopy is a special test your Rheumatologist
(joint specialist) may recommend. Arthroscopy allows your
doctor to look into the interior of your knee and search for
causes of knee pain or swelling, and assess the nature and
degree of joint damage.
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This test allows your Rheumatologist to inspect the interior
of your knee for potentially correctable causes of knee pain.
During this inspection your knee will be washed with sterile
salt water to remove particles, which can be contributing
to your knee pain. Approximately 1 litre of fluid will be
washed through your knee during the procedure. If necessary,
a biopsy may be taken to assist your doctor in making a diagnosis.
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Before the test is done, you will have a brief physical examination.
Prior to the arthroscopy you will be asked to sign a consent
form. Please read the form carefully and ask the Rheumatologist
any questions you may have.
On the day of your procedure you may take your medications
as usual, unless your doctor or nurse says otherwise. You
will be asked not to eat or drink anything for about 3-4 hours
before the test. In addition, it is important that you wear
comfortable walking shoes and loose clothing. It is necessary
to have a friend or family member available to drive you home
after the procedure and spend the first few hours with you.
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The day of your procedure you need to come to the Queen Street
Registration Desk 1 hour prior to your scheduled Arthroscopy,
where you will be registered. Once you have done this, you
should proceed to the Martin Family Arthritis Centre. (Queen
Wing, Ground Floor, see map at the end of booklet) There will
be a sign directing you to the proper waiting area. A nurse
will meet you and ask you to change into a hospital gown.
Your heart rate and blood pressure will be checked.
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The procedure will be performed by your Rheumatologist. Your
doctor will meet you in the procedure room. If you have any
last minute questions, this is a good time to ask them. Your
doctor will then inject local anaesthetic into your knee.
This will feel like a pinprick and should not be painful.
Your doctor will put on a surgical gown, mask and gloves.
The skin around your knee will then be cleaned. By this time
your knee will be numb. A tiny incision is made and the Arthroscope
will be inserted into your knee. You will be able to observe
the inside of your knee on a TV if you wish. Your doctor will
wash out the inside of your knee and may take a biopsy.
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After the procedure is
completed, the instruments
will be removed and your
knee will be drained. It
will still be numb. A small
dressing (bandaid) will be
placed over the incision.
You will be able to get dressed
and walk from the procedure
area. Your heart rate and
blood pressure will be checked
prior to your discharge.
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- It is important to rest.
- Elevate your leg and apply ice packs for 2-3 hours immediately after the procedure.
Ice packs should be applied for 20 minutes and removed for 20 minutes during
this time
- Many people find that large bags of frozen peas or corn work
well as ice packs - buy two bags and have one on your knee and the other
in the freezer.
- You will be given a prescription for pain medication. Remember you should not
drive a motor vehicle if you are taking narcotics (Codeine, Demerol)
- After 24 hours you may resume your normal activity as tolerated.
- An appointment will be made to see your Rheumatologist after the arthroscopy.
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Call your Family Physician/doctor or go the Emergency department at a hospital near you if you experience of the following;
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- Fever or chills
- Redness, warmth or swelling at the incision site
- Drainage from the incision site
- Increasing or unbearable pain
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St. Michael's Hospital is one block east of Yonge Street.
Parking is available in various private parking lots on Queen St, Victoria St and Bond St.
Public Transit (Subway) is at Yonge and Queen Street, one block east of the hospital.
Martin Family Clinic is in the Queen Wing. Street entrance Use the Queen
Martin Centre Booking Desk (416) 864-5280
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