Knee arthroscopy is a keyhole surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat a range of conditions within the knee joint. It involves inserting a small camera through tiny incisions to visualise and operate inside the knee.
Two small incisions (approximately 1 cm each) are made at the front of the knee. A camera is inserted through one, and instruments through the other. The surgeon inspects the joint surfaces, menisci, and ligaments. Treatment may include removing loose bodies, smoothing damaged cartilage, washing out the joint, or taking biopsies. The procedure usually takes 15–45 minutes.
Knee arthroscopy may be recommended for removal of loose bodies, treatment of cartilage damage, biopsy of the synovium, washout of an infected joint, or investigation of symptoms not explained by imaging.
Physiotherapy, pain medication, and activity modification. MRI scanning can provide useful diagnostic information without surgery. It is important to note that arthroscopy for osteoarthritis of the knee is generally not recommended unless there is a specific mechanical problem such as a loose body.
Standard pre-assessment. Day-case procedure.
Removal of loose bodies provides reliable relief from mechanical symptoms. Diagnostic arthroscopy can confirm or exclude suspected conditions. For general arthritic symptoms without a specific mechanical cause, the benefit of arthroscopy is limited.
Expected for several days after surgery.
Temporary and improves with exercises.
If the underlying condition is arthritis, symptoms may not be relieved by arthroscopy.
Joint infection in approximately 0.5% of cases.
DVT is uncommon after knee arthroscopy.
Very rare.
General, spinal, or local anaesthesia with sedation.
Most patients walk without crutches within a few days. Return to work within one to two weeks for office jobs, two to four weeks for manual work. Return to sport at four to six weeks.
Wound check at two weeks. Further follow-up depends on findings and procedure performed.
Current evidence does not support arthroscopy as a treatment for knee arthritis in the absence of a specific mechanical problem. Your surgeon will discuss whether arthroscopy is appropriate for your situation.
Most patients recover quickly — within one to three weeks. More complex procedures take longer.