Arthroscopic surgery – a minimally invasive procedure that allows physicians to examine injuries from within the body – is most often associated with meniscus tears and other knee injuries. But why should the knee get all the attention?  

If you’re experiencing ongoing knee problems, you may be wondering if surgery is necessary for you to return to your usual activities. And if that is the case, you are far from alone. Knee injuries are among the most common reasons patients undergo arthroscopic surgery each year.

If you have ever repaired an injury to one of your joints, you may be acquainted with arthroscopic surgery. Because a large incision isn’t necessary, the procedure is not nearly as scary as it sounds. It is a very common, minimally invasive procedure typically done on an outpatient basis that is performed on various parts of the body:

Many different orthopaedic procedures can be handled as outpatient or “same-day” surgeries at an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). If you’re facing outpatient surgery, it probably means your condition isn’t so severe that it requires extensive observation afterward. That can give some patients the impression that outpatient centers are smaller, with less access to the experts, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Thanks to advanced technology and newer anesthesia methods, many kinds of surgery are performed on an outpatient basis so patients can go home that same day. So much so that it’s now possible to treat the majority of orthopaedic procedures on an outpatient basis. At MidAmerica Orthopaedics, for example, the majority of patients facing surgery will head to the Ambulatory Surgery Center for their same-day procedures.

Ambulatory surgery centers have transformed the outpatient experience for millions of people in the U.S. by giving them a more convenient option for many types of procedures. This is good news for those seeking treatment for any number of musculoskeletal conditions. In fact, more than half of all orthopaedic procedures are now performed on an ambulatory basis.

So, you’ve decided to undergo joint replacement surgery. Congratulations! You’re very likely on your way to a much more active and pain-free lifestyle.

The first thing to know about recuperation from a joint or knee replacement is that it is a gradual process that takes place over a lengthy period of time. Familiarizing yourself with what will happen in the weeks and months following the procedure will help you prepare beforehand so you can feel more confident going in.

Physical Therapy is Crucial to Recovery

While recovering from a hip or joint replacement, most patients must work with a physical therapist to build back their strength and return flexibility to the affected area.

Be sure to work with a Certified Physical Therapist (CPT) who is qualified to provide a proper joint-strengthening program for your recovery. This process is crucial to increasing your mobility as you heal and getting back in shape so you can resume your normal activities. When you partner with a CPT at MidAmerica Orthopaedics, you get every aspect of your treatment – diagnostics, surgery and therapy – taken care of under one roof. 

If chronic pain and stiffness in your arthritic knee prohibit you from climbing a flight of stairs, you may be considering a knee replacement so you can return to your daily activities, as well as your second floor.