Overview
About Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the knee joint through a tiny keyhole incision. The surgeon views the inside of the knee on a monitor in real time and can simultaneously treat problems using specially designed miniature instruments through additional small portals. Conditions treated include meniscus tears, ACL injuries, loose bodies, cartilage damage, synovitis, and patellofemoral problems.
Key Benefits
Minimally invasive — only 2 to 3 tiny incisions of less than 1 cm each
Direct visualisation of the entire knee joint for accurate diagnosis
Diagnosis and treatment completed in the same procedure
Day-care or overnight procedure — no prolonged hospital stay
Significantly faster recovery compared to traditional open knee surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions can be treated with knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy treats meniscus tears (repair or trimming), ACL reconstruction, loose body removal, cartilage procedures, synovial biopsy/removal, patellofemoral realignment, and washout of an infected knee joint.
How long does knee arthroscopy take?
The procedure typically takes 30–90 minutes depending on what is being treated. Simple procedures like loose body removal are quick; ACL reconstruction or complex cartilage work takes longer.
Is knee arthroscopy painful?
Post-operative pain is significantly less than open surgery due to the minimal tissue disruption. Most patients require only oral pain medications for 3–5 days. The knee may be swollen for 1–2 weeks.
When can I walk after knee arthroscopy?
For most diagnostic or simple procedures, patients walk with support on the same day. For ACL reconstruction, a brace and crutches are needed for 2–4 weeks. Your surgeon will give specific weight-bearing instructions.
What are the risks of knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is very safe. Rare risks include infection (less than 1%), blood clots (DVT), nerve or vessel injury, stiffness, and failure to resolve the problem. Overall complication rate is less than 2%.