Chondromalaciasurgery is usually an arthroscopic procedure performed by an orthopedic surgeon as an outpatient surgical procedure.
The goal of the surgery is to help remove or fix damaged tissue and cartilage surrounding the knee.
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What Is Chondromalacia Surgery?
Morsa Images / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Skilled orthopedic surgeons perform chondromalacia surgery to remove damaged cartilage.
The goal of the surgery is to help remove or fix damaged tissue and cartilage surrounding the knee.
The surgical procedure can be done via arthroscopy or open knee surgery.
The decision will ultimately be up to the orthopedic surgeon based on the severity of the damage.
Arthroscopy is the more typical procedure, done as day surgery with minimally-invasive techniques.
An overnight hospital stay may be needed for some patients.
Contraindications
Chondromalacia surgery is essential for most patients if physical therapy isn’t successful.
The kneecap may start to rub against the femur and cause discomfort or pain.
Chondromalacia is seen as an overuse injury in sports.
Taking time off and resting can help alleviate pain and reduce the risk of further injury.
Other times, improper knee alignment is the cause and resting doesnt provide relief.
Chondromalacia surgery is generally not a first-line procedure for this medical diagnosis.
Ensuring you have realistic expectations for surgery is the key to success.
Before surgery, have an open conversation with your surgeon.
Most patients can expect to go home after recovering in the post-anesthesia care unit.
However, some will have to spend at least one night in the hospital on a medical-surgical unit.
What to Wear
The most important thing to remember for this procedure is to dress comfortably.
Medical professionals recommend loose-fitting clothing to wear to and from the hospital.
you could expect to wear nonskid footwear at all times when out of bed.
Food and Drink
You will be required to stop eating and drinking before surgery.
This is called being NPO, which means “nothing by mouth.”
It is imperative to follow the NPO guidelines because if not, the surgery could be canceled.
Instructions on a specific time will vary for all patients and are determined by the surgical team.
Take only the medications your healthcare provider tells you to take on the morning of your surgery.
Take them with just enough water to swallow comfortably.
check that to confirm the medications with your surgeon and only take them with water.
Medications
The surgeon will discuss all medications with you before the surgery.
Also, include all vitamins and supplements in the list of medications.
Providers may start patients on medications before surgery to manage symptoms.
These medications might include astool softenerto relieveconstipationto avoid straining, which can cause additional strain on the heart.
An example of this medication isColace.
Preop Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are essential to the success of a patient having chondromalacia surgery.
The surgeon will mark the surgical site after you are fully prepped.
The nurse and surgical team will review your medications.
Bringing a list of the information is helpful so nothing is missed.
You will then be prepared forgeneral anesthesia, which will last for the duration of the surgery.
The camera displays pictures on a video monitor.
The surgeon uses these images to guide surgical instruments to remove the damaged chondromalacia.
Several additional small incisions will be made in the surrounding area to insert the other needed surgical instruments.
This will expose the ligaments and bone structures.
After the Surgery
All appropriate interventions will be given, and discharge instructions will be given.
This will include postoperative pain medications and antibiotics, limitations, and future surgical appointments.
Patients may see a physical therapist while in the hospital to cover exercises, braces, and crutch training.
If patients are not spending the night, this will be taught preoperatively.
Recovery
The recovery process will vary depending on the individual and the severity of the injury.
You will be followed closely by the surgeon during the initial six weeks.
Post-operative appointments can be expected on days 7, 10, and 14.
By day 14, your surgeon will remove any sutures or staples used to shut the incision.
Most surgeons recommend no weight bearing for two weeks.
Exercises with the physical therapist will help with weight-bearing exercises.
By 12 weeks, you’re able to be walking without a brace.
Full recovery can take six to 12 months.
You want to monitor for signs and symptoms of surgical site infection.
Surgical site infections are serious but can be treated with antibiotics if identified early.
Coping With Recovery
One of the biggest challenges during postoperative time is pain management.
You will be sent home with a prescription of narcotic pain medicine.
Your surgeon will manage your pain management regimen.
It is important to follow all recommendations precisely as given.
It’s important to remember proper dosages and timing of OTC medications as accidental overdose is possible.
Its important to note that these are highly addictive and should be taken only as directed.
Nonmedical Approaches
Complementary therapies such asaromatherapy, meditation, and/or guided imagery can be helpful during the recovery process.
Untreated pain can cause numerous physical complications and should not be ignored.
Doctors recommend trying distractionlistening to your favorite music, playing board games, or card games.
This may ease anxiety or stress as a means to get your mind off the pain.
Another approach is the use ofguided imagery.
Long Term Care
Surgery can be physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting.
Furthermore, this surgery does not prevent you from injuring the same knee or needing the same surgery again.
Unfortunately, some people are injured again.
Having the support of close friends and family during the postoperative period is the key to success.
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