Knee Arthroscopy Surgery
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems in the knee joint through tiny incisions using a camera. This specialized "keyhole" approach allows surgeons to view and repair joint structures without the need for a large open incision.
When You Should Consider Knee Arthroscopy
Persistent knee pain that has not responded to rest, physical therapy, or injections.
Mechanical symptoms such as the knee "locking," "catching," or "giving way" during movement.
Swelling and stiffness caused by loose fragments of bone or cartilage within the joint.
Confirmed soft tissue injuries, such as a meniscus tear or a ligament injury (ACL/PCL).
Chronic inflammation of the joint lining (synovium) that requires surgical removal.
Methods of Knee Arthroscopy
Diagnostic Arthroscopy: A procedure focused on exploring the joint to identify the source of unexplained pain or instability.
Meniscectomy: Trimming away the damaged or frayed edges of a torn meniscus.
Meniscal Repair: Suturing a torn meniscus back together to preserve the natural cushioning of the knee.
Chondroplasty: Smoothing out damaged or irregular articular cartilage to improve joint glide.
Loose Body Removal: Extracting floating bits of bone or cartilage that cause painful mechanical interference.
How Knee Arthroscopy Is Performed
Portal Creation: The surgeon makes two or three tiny incisions, or portals (about 0.5 cm each), around the kneecap.
Saline Insufflation: The joint is expanded with sterile saline to stretch the capsule, providing a clear view and space for the tools.
Visualization: A high-definition fiber-optic camera (arthroscope) is inserted through one portal to project live images onto a monitor.
Surgical Intervention: Miniature specialized tools, such as shavers or probes, are used to repair, trim, or remove damaged tissue.
Closure: After the saline is drained, the tiny portals are closed with a single stitch or sterile tape (Steri-Strips).
Pre-Procedure Preparation
Fasting (NPO) for 6–8 hours prior to the surgery to ensure safety during anesthesia.
Evaluation of current medications; blood thinners are typically only stopped if significant bleeding is anticipated.
Choosing the most appropriate anesthesia option, which may include general, spinal, or a regional nerve block.
Diagnostic confirmation through physical stability tests and imaging to map out the internal damage.
Tests Before Knee Arthroscopy
MRI Scan: The primary imaging tool used to visualize soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
X-rays: Used to rule out significant bone-on-bone arthritis or fractures that may not be treatable via arthroscopy.
Physical Stability Exams: Specialized maneuvers (like the Lachman or McMurray tests) to assess ligament and meniscus integrity.
Blood Panels: Routine screens to ensure general health and fitness for an outpatient surgical procedure.
Life After Knee Arthroscopy
Almost always an outpatient procedure, with most patients returning home 2–3 hours after waking up.
Adherence to the R.I.C.E. protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is critical for the first 48–72 hours.
Weight-bearing status depends on the procedure: simple trimming allows walking in days, while repairs may require crutches for 4–6 weeks.
Driving is typically restricted for 1–2 weeks, particularly if the surgery was on the right leg or the patient drives a manual vehicle.
Physical therapy focuses on restoring range of motion and strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee joint.
Benefits of Knee Arthroscopy
Minimally invasive nature results in significantly less post-operative pain and swelling than open surgery.
Tiny incisions lead to faster wound healing and minimal surgical scarring.
High success rates for resolving mechanical issues like joint locking or catching.
Reduced risk of infection and lower blood loss compared to traditional joint procedures.