Knee arthroscopy is keyhole surgery in which a thin camera and small instruments are passed through small incisions to see inside the joint and treat problems there. This guide explains when it may be considered, how it is done and how recovery usually goes.
Note: This information is general. Whether you need arthroscopy is decided by your surgeon after an in-person examination and imaging.
When may knee arthroscopy be considered?
Arthroscopy may be considered for a problem inside the joint that has not improved with non-surgical care, such as:
- Signs of a meniscus tear, like pain and catching
- An ACL tear with an unstable joint
- Loose fragments inside the joint
- Ongoing pain or swelling that examination and imaging have not explained
- Inflammation of the joint lining in some cases
What does arthroscopy treat?
Arthroscopy treats problems inside the joint that result from:
- Sports injuries or falls
- Meniscus tears
- Ligament injuries
- Damage to the joint cartilage
- Inflammation inside the joint
Diagnosis
The decision follows an examination of pain, swelling, stability and movement, plus X-rays and often an MRI to show ligaments and cartilage. Arthroscopy can confirm the diagnosis and treat the problem in the same procedure.
Treatment options
Non-surgical treatment
Many knee problems are treated without surgery first.
- Rest and activity modification
- Physiotherapy and muscle strengthening
- A brace when needed
- Knee injections in selected cases
Surgical treatment
In knee arthroscopy a small incision admits a camera, and other small incisions admit the surgical instruments. The surgeon views the joint on a screen and treats the problem, for example by repairing or trimming a meniscus or performing ACL reconstruction. Arthroscopic surgery is performed through small incisions, and the exact procedure depends on your case.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery depends on what was done inside the joint. Its length varies from person to person and is set by the surgeon after assessment. Dr. Hourani pays particular attention to rehabilitation after surgery; see knee rehabilitation.
- Controlling pain and swelling and caring for the wounds
- Restoring knee movement
- Strengthening the muscles around the joint
- Balance and walking exercises
- A gradual return to activity and sport as your surgeon advises
When to see the doctor
See an orthopedic surgeon if:
- Knee pain or swelling persists
- The knee catches, locks or gives way
- An injury causes a pop and fast swelling
- Symptoms have not improved with non-surgical care