Tips for Operating on the Knee

Having a clear plan before operating is essential. An anatomic approach to surgery is critically important. Perform layer-by-layer dissection, identify and repair the pathology and return the tissues to their anatomical locations. Sterile technique is critical. A sterile adhesive drape applied to the skin improves sterility. The use of a tourniquet is the surgeon’s choice. Operating with a tourniquet applied increases the speed of surgery but results in more frequent hematomas compared to operating without a tourniquet and achieving hemostasis. Arthroscopy portals in the anterolateral and anteromedial aspects of the knee should be placed high to stay above the infrapatellar fat pad and avoid neurovascular bundles that pierce the deep fascia. Be especially aware of the neuromuscular structures about the knee.