Knee Arthroscopy

An arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery used both to diagnose and treat problems with joints. An arthroscopy involves the use of a device called an arthroscope to examine the joints. This is a thin, metal tube about the length and width of a drinking straw that contains a light source and a camera. Images are sent from the arthroscope to a video screen or an eyepiece, so the surgeon is able to see inside the joint. It’s also possible for tiny surgical instruments to be used alongside an arthroscope to allow the surgeon to treat certain joint conditions.

As the equipment used during an arthroscopy is so small, only minor cuts need to be made in the skin. This means the procedure has some potential advantages over traditional, “open” surgery, including:

• less pain after the operation
• faster healing time
• lower risk of infection
• you can often go home the same day
• you may be able to return to normal activities more quickly

An arthroscopy might be recommended if you have problems such as persistent joint pain, swelling or stiffness, and scans have not been able to identify the cause. An arthroscopy can also be used to treat a range of joint problems and conditions. For example, it can be used to:

• repair damaged cartilage
• remove fragments of loose bone or cartilage
• drain away any excess fluid
• treat conditions such as arthritis

The arthroscope is inserted through a small cut in the skin made next to the joint. Further small incisions may also be made to allow an examining probe or surgical instruments to be inserted. Your surgeon will then examine the inside of the joint using the arthroscope and, if necessary, remove or repair any problem areas. This will usually be done under general anaesthetic, although sometimes a spinal or local anaesthetic is used.

The procedure is usually performed as a day case, which means you’ll normally be able to go home on the same day as the surgery.

The time it takes to recover from an arthroscopy can vary, depending on the joint involved and the specific procedure you had. It’s often possible to return to work and light, physical activities within a few weeks, but more demanding physical activities such as lifting and sport may not be possible for several months.

Your surgeon or care team will advise you how long it’s likely to take to fully recover and what activities you should avoid until you’re feeling better. While you’re recovering, you should contact your surgical team or GP for advice if you think you may have developed one of the complications mentioned below.

An arthroscopy is generally considered to be a safe procedure, but like all types of surgery it does carry some risks. It’s normal to experience short-lived problems such as swelling, bruising, stiffness and discomfort after an arthroscopy. These will usually improve during the days or weeks following the procedure.

For more information on knee arthroscopy please do not hesitate to get in touch with Mr Atwal through our appointments page.