We generally think of surgeries as long procedures, even more so when it involves something orthopedic, such as a knee intervention. However, the knee arthroscopy surgery undergone by presenter Xuxa, last Tuesday (21), surprised by its speed: it was carried out in around 20 minutes, according to the medical bulletin published by the Vila Nova Star hospital.
THE CNN the singer’s publicist said that the surgery was something planned. Xuxa has been doing activities every day to prepare for a big tour coming in the second half of the year.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique
Arthroscopy is nothing more than a minimally invasive surgical technique, that is, it causes minimal impact. It is performed in a similar way to a videolaparoscopy on the abdomen: small incisions (usually two) are made in the joint. “Through these incisions, a digital camera with fiber optics is inserted that allows images to be viewed on a high-definition monitor located in the operating room. Along with this, saline solution is infused into the knee to facilitate visualization”, explains Fernando Jorge, orthopedic doctor, specialist in knee and hip surgeries and interventional pain medicine.
It can also be done with just the camera, if the doctor just needs to diagnose the condition found. But it is usually already carried out with the repair procedure. “With the help of forceps and cautery, the surgeon can, for example, repair and regularize cartilage, reconstruct ligaments or realign the patella”, explains orthopedist Marcos Cortelazo, specialist in knee and sports traumatology and member of the Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SBOT).
The speed of the procedure, therefore, can be justified by the simplicity of closing the open stitches during surgery, as they are small incisions and not entire openings of joint tissue, which tends to be more complex for subsequent suturing. “The duration of arthroscopy depends on the complexity of the procedure. In cases of less complex injuries, such as meniscal injuries, surgical time can vary from 20 minutes to 1 hour”, considers orthopedic doctor Daniel Meirelles, specialized in knee surgery and doctor at the Vita group (SP).
According to the Cleveland Clinica reference clinic for healthcare treatments in the United States, knee arthroscopy is used in the following situations:
- Diagnose injuries: During a knee arthroscopy, the specialist can observe areas that are painful or swollen, checking the condition of the soft tissues and bones;
- Treat soft tissues and bones in the region: Tendon, ligament or cartilage surgeries can be performed using arthroscopy, with the use of specific instruments that allow the surgeon to reconstruct and repair this type of structure. Bones can also be joined with the technique;
- Removal of damaged or inflamed tissue: In some cases, damaged pieces of tissue and bone may also be removed from the joint.
Recovery is also usually faster
Recovery from surgery is generally related to the size of the cuts, which is why patients undergoing arthroscopies tend to stay still for a shorter period of time. “In simpler cases, the return to daily activities occurs in shorter periods, from three to six weeks. In larger injuries, such as ligament ruptures due to sports, it may require longer time and complete recovery, in some cases, can take up to nine months”, says Jorge.
“Normally, the patient can walk on the same day, with the aid of crutches, supporting the operated leg. Hospital discharge usually occurs on the same day”, ponders Meirelles. Even though the surgery is simple, the Cleveland Clinic recommends elevating the knee while resting and avoiding putting weight on it for a few days.
*With information from Nicoly Bastos, from CNN
This content was originally published in Why did Xuxa’s surgery last 20 minutes? Understand knee arthroscopy on the CNN Brasil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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