Arthroscopy under local anesthesia in Vienna
WIDE AWAKE Arthroscopy
The method of Wide Awake arthroscopy of the knee joint, which I developed, makes it possible to perform certain procedures on the knee without general anesthesia safely, gently and on an outpatient basis. Through a specially combined local anesthetic, both the skin and all relevant structures in the knee joint are effectively anesthetized: for a pain-free treatment with full consciousness.
A major advantage of Wide Awake arthroscopy is that general anesthesia can be avoided. This means that neither intubation nor ventilation is necessary. Typical side effects of anesthesia such as nausea, dizziness or persistent fatigue do not occur. The entire procedure is therefore much better tolerated physically.
Outpatient and fast
The procedure is performed entirely on an outpatient basis and is extremely time-efficient. The entire stay in the clinic averages only about three hours. A hospital stay is not necessary; patients can leave the hospital immediately after the procedure.
Awake and relaxed – twilight sleep available on request
During arthroscopy, patients remain fully conscious, which not only provides security but also enables direct communication between doctor and patient. If you would still like to relax a little during the procedure, you can be put into a light twilight sleep on request, similar to a gastroscopy. This provides additional rest without impairing the benefits of local anesthesia.
How does local anesthesia work?
Through a precise combination of different local anesthetics developed by me, the entire knee, inside and out, is reliably anesthetized. This allows the procedure to be performed in the same way as under general anesthesia, but with significantly less stress on the body.
For which knee problems is Wide Awake arthroscopy suitable?
The method is ideally suited for common and painful knee conditions that require arthroscopic intervention:
Meniscus damage / meniscus tear
- Partial resection or smoothing of the meniscus
Plica syndrome
- Arthroscopic removal or smoothing of the plica mediopatellaris
Free joint bodies in the knee
- Removing disruptive or blocking joint bodies
Which procedures are not suitable?
For more complex, reconstructive operations, general anesthesia is still necessary:
- Cruciate ligament reconstruction
- Cartilage reconstructive operations (e.g. mosaicplasty)
- Larger combined procedures
Who is not suitable for Wide Awake arthroscopy?
- Patients with allergy to local anesthetics
Appointment – Your first step to a pain-free knee
If you suffer from meniscus problems, plica syndrome or free joint bodies, Wide Awake arthroscopy is a particularly gentle and safe treatment option.
Make an appointment now:
I will advise you personally and create your individual treatment plan.