What is Knee Arthroscopy (Arthroscopic Knee Surgery)?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure via which the doctor diagnoses and treats various knee problems. Instead of making a large cut, the surgeon creates tiny keyhole incisions and inserts a small camera called an arthroscope to view the inside of the joint. This allows the surgeon to repair meniscus tears, cartilage damage, and ligament injuries or remove loose fragments with special instruments. Because the cuts are small, patients experience less pain, lower risk of complications, and faster recovery. Knee arthroscopy is widely preferred today for accurate treatment and quicker return to daily activities.
When to Consult a Knee Arthroscopy Specialist?
You should consider consulting a knee arthroscopy specialist when knee pain, swelling, or instability does not improve with rest, medications, or physiotherapy. Conditions like meniscus tears, joint cartilage damage, or ACL/PCL ligament injuries often require arthroscopic evaluation and treatment.
If your knee locks, catches, gives way, or has persistent fluid buildup, it may indicate structural problems inside the joint that cannot be detected or treated externally. Chronic issues such as recurrent swelling, synovitis, loose bodies, or unexplained mechanical pain also demand specialist attention. Consulting early helps prevent worsening damage and ensures timely, minimally invasive treatment for long-term knee health.
Types of Knee Arthroscopy Procedures
Meniscus Repair / Meniscectomy
This procedure is done when the meniscus (the knee’s shock-absorbing cushion) is torn.
- Meniscus Repair: The surgeon stitches the torn edges so the meniscus can heal naturally.
- Meniscectomy: If the tear cannot be repaired, the damaged portion is trimmed and smoothed to reduce pain and locking.
ACL / PCL Reconstruction
These are major stabilizing ligaments inside the knee. If they tear due to injury or sports trauma, arthroscopy is used to reconstruct them. Surgeons replace the damaged ligament with a graft (tissue taken from the patient or donor). This restores stability, prevents buckling, and supports an active lifestyle.
Cartilage Restoration Procedures
When cartilage is damaged due to injury or wear-and-tear, arthroscopy helps repair or regenerate it. Techniques may include microfracture, cartilage smoothing, or advanced grafting procedures. The goal is to reduce pain, improve smooth movement, and prevent early arthritis.
Removal of Loose Bodies
Sometimes small pieces of bone or cartilage break off and float inside the knee joint. Arthroscopy allows surgeons to locate and remove these loose fragments. This relieves locking, catching, and sudden pain while walking or bending.
Synovectomy
The synovial membrane (inner lining of the joint) can become inflamed due to arthritis or chronic irritation. Arthroscopic synovectomy removes the inflamed tissue through tiny incisions. This reduces swelling, stiffness, and discomfort without the need for open surgery.
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How Knee Arthroscopy Surgery Works?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to diagnose and treat knee problems with exceptional precision. The entire process is carefully planned, from anesthesia to the final repair, ensuring safety and comfort for the patient. Here’s a breakdown of what happens before, during, and after the procedure.
Before Entering the Operating Theatre (OT)
- The patient is evaluated by the anaesthesiologist to decide between spinal, general, or local anesthesia.
- The knee is cleaned, marked, and sterilized to maintain infection-free conditions.
- The patient is then shifted to the OT and positioned comfortably on the surgical table.
Anesthesia and OT Preparation
- Anesthesia is given, either the lower body is numbed (spinal) or the patient is put to sleep (general).
- The surgical team cleans the knee area again and covers everything except the surgical site.
- A tourniquet may be applied on the upper leg to reduce bleeding during surgery.
What the Surgeon Does During Arthroscopy?
- Creates 2–3 tiny incisions (keyhole cuts) around the knee.
- Inserts a small camera called an arthroscope through one incision. This gives a clear, magnified view of the inside of the knee on a monitor.
- Through the other incisions, special instruments are inserted to:
- Repair or trim a meniscus tear
- Smooth or fix cartilage damage
- Remove loose fragments
- Treat ligament issues or clean up inflammation
- The surgeon performs all repairs with extreme precision guided by the live camera view.
- After completing the procedure, the surgeon washes the joint with sterile fluid to ensure clarity and remove debris.
Closing the Procedure
- The instruments and camera are removed.
- The tiny incisions are closed using a small stitch or Steri-Strips.
- A light dressing or bandage is applied; no large cuts, no heavy dressing.
After Coming Out of the OT
- The patient is moved to a recovery room where vital signs are monitored.
- The numbness wears off gradually; mild discomfort may appear but is manageable with medication.
- The physiotherapist explains basic movements and precautions for the first 24–48 hours.
- Once stable, the patient is discharged the same day or the next morning, depending on the case.
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What are the Benefits of Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is one of the most advanced and minimally invasive ways to treat knee problems. It helps diagnose and repair internal damage with precision, ensuring quicker recovery. Patients experience less pain, faster healing, and a smooth return to everyday activities. Here are some of its benefits:
- Smaller Incisions and Less Pain: Arthroscopy uses tiny cuts, which means less tissue damage and reduced postoperative pain. Patients heal faster compared to traditional open surgery.
- Faster Recovery and Quicker Return to Routine: Because the procedure is minimally invasive, most patients start walking soon and resume desk work within a few days. Daily activities become easier much earlier.
- Lower Risk of Infection and Better Safety: Smaller wounds reduce the chances of infection and complications. This makes arthroscopy a safer option for both young and active individuals.
- Accurate Diagnosis and Precise Treatment: The camera inside the joint gives the surgeon a clear view of the damaged area. This allows precise repair of meniscus tears, cartilage issues, or ligament problems.
- Short Hospital Stay (Often Same-Day Discharge): Most arthroscopies are day-care procedures, allowing patients to go home the same day. This reduces stress, cost, and makes recovery more comfortable at home.
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What is Patient’s Recovery Journey After Knee Arthroscopy?
Once discharged, patients go home with simple instructions on wound care, icing, and prescribed medicines. In the first few days, walking with support is encouraged to reduce stiffness and improve circulation.
By the end of week one, most patients begin guided physiotherapy focused on gentle motion, swelling control, and basic strengthening. Over the next 2–4 weeks, exercises progress to improve balance, muscle strength, and knee stability for daily activities.
Light desk work is usually possible within a few days, while more active or on-feet jobs may take 2–4 weeks depending on comfort. With consistent rehab and proper follow-up, most people return to routine life confidently and regain full function within a few weeks.
Here are the key things to avoid during the recovery phase after knee arthroscopy; these mistakes can slow healing and increase pain or discomfort:
- Do not put excessive weight on the operated leg too early.
- Avoid squatting, kneeling, running, or jumping.
- Do not skip physiotherapy sessions.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long hours
- Do not remove dressings or wet the incision before your surgeon allows it.
- Avoid driving too soon, especially if the right knee is operated on, to prevent sudden strain.
- Do not ignore swelling, redness, or sharp pain, as delaying medical advice can worsen issues.
- Avoid self-medicating or stopping prescribed medicines without consulting your doctor.
Why Choose Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram for Knee Arthroscopy?
At Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, we offer knee arthroscopy with highly experienced orthopaedic surgeons. Patients benefit from advanced arthroscopic technology that ensures precise, minimally invasive procedures consistently.
Our advanced approach reduces pain, speeds recovery, and enhances long-term knee function for active lifestyles. We also have a dedicated multidisciplinary rehabilitation team that supports every patient throughout their personalized recovery journey.
Artemis Hospitals’ physiotherapists, doctors, and specialists work together to restore strength, mobility, and daily movement safely. We provide clear guidance, timely follow-ups, and structured rehab programs for smoother postoperative progress.
To book an appointment, call +91 98004 00498. The patient can WhatsApp on the same number to book their appointment online.