Knee arthroscopy

A minimally invasive solution for knee problems

Knee arthroscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery designed to diagnose and treat issues within the knee joint. During the procedure, a small camera, known as an arthroscope, is inserted into the knee through tiny incisions. This allows the surgeon to view the inside of the joint on a screen in real-time.

In addition to visualisation, the surgeon can use small surgical tools during knee arthroscopy to repair damage, such as removing torn cartilage or smoothing rough areas within the joint.

Because knee arthroscopy is less invasive than traditional surgery, recovery is generally faster, making it a popular option for addressing conditions like a torn meniscus, damaged cartilage, or inflamed joint lining.

Who is a Candidate?

Patients with mechanical knee symptoms such as locking, catching, or persistent pain not responding to conservative treatment.

Common indications:

• Meniscal tears
• Loose bodies in the joint
• Minor cartilage damage
• Synovial disease (e.g. inflammation).

Not typically recommended for advanced osteoarthritis as it provides limited long-term benefit.

Recovery Timeline

May vary with provider

• Hospital stay: Usually day surgery (same-day discharge)
• Early recovery: Walking with full weight-bearing is often allowed immediately; crutches may be used briefly
• Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy may begin within days, focusing on range of motion and quadriceps strength
• Return to daily activities: Typically 1–2 weeks for most light activities
• Return to sports or heavy activity: 4–6 weeks depending on the procedure and rehabilitation.

Benefits

• Minimally invasive procedure with smaller incisions
• Quick recovery and short hospital stay
• Can relieve mechanical symptoms (locking, catching)
• Diagnostic value: allows direct visualisation of disease within the joint.

Risks

• Infection (rare but possible)
• Bleeding in the joint
• Blood clots (DVT)
• Damage to the knee cartilage, meniscus, or ligaments
• Persistent pain or swelling
• Rarely, stiffness or need for further surgery.

This is just an outline. Your specialist orthopaedic surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.

Knee arthroscopy is less invasive than joint replacement and ideal for specific mechanical issues.