What Is Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy surgery is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small camera (arthroscope) and specialised instruments are inserted into the knee joint through tiny incisions. The procedure allows doctors to diagnose and treat knee problems such as torn ligaments, meniscus injuries, cartilage damage, and persistent knee pain. The goal is to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent further joint damage.
Types of Knee Arthroscopy
The type of knee arthroscopy procedure performed depends on the knee condition, severity of the injury, and structures involved. Common approaches include:
- Diagnostic Arthroscopy: Used to examine the knee joint, confirm a diagnosis, and decide on further treatment.
- Therapeutic Arthroscopy: Involves repairing or removing damaged tissues such as torn meniscus or cartilage, and smoothing rough surfaces.
- Arthroscopic Ligament Repair or Reconstruction: Repairs torn ligaments like the ACL to restore stability and knee function.
30 Min - 1 Hour
Surgery Duration
General or Spinal Anesthesia
Anesthesia Used
6-8 Weeks
Full Recovery Timeline
When Do You Need Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy surgery is recommended when knee pain, swelling, or injury does not improve with medication or physiotherapy. This minimally invasive procedure allows doctors to diagnose and treat ligament tears, meniscus injuries, cartilage damage, and other joint problems effectively, restoring knee function and preventing further complications.
- Meniscus Tears: Tears in the meniscus, the cartilage that cushions the knee joint, often cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears: A common knee injury involving a tear in the ACL, a ligament that stabilizes the knee joint.
- Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tears: Tears in the PCL, another ligament that helps stabilize the knee.
- Cartilage Injuries: Damage or defects in the articular cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the knee joint, causing pain and joint dysfunction.
- Synovitis: Inflammation of the synovial membrane lining the knee joint, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Loose Bodies: Small fragments of bone or cartilage that become dislodged within the joint, causing pain and limited movement.
- Patellar (Kneecap) Disorders: Conditions like patellar chondromalacia (softening of cartilage), which leads to pain behind the kneecap.
- Tendon Injuries: Torn or damaged tendons, such as the patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon.
- Ligament Sprains: Mild to moderate sprains of various knee ligaments.
- Removal of Scar Tissue: After previous knee surgeries or injuries, scar tissue (also known as adhesions) can develop, limiting joint movement.
Are You a Good Candidate for Knee Arthroscopy?
You may be a good candidate for knee arthroscopy surgery if you experience ongoing knee pain or injury affecting mobility and have not responded to non-surgical treatments. Candidates should be physically stable, willing to follow post-surgery rehabilitation, and aware of the potential knee surgery long-term complications of arthroscopic procedures, including stiffness or recurrent injury.
How Can I Prepare for a Knee Arthroscopy Surgery?
Preparing for knee arthroscopy surgery is essential to ensure safe treatment, reduce risks, and support a smooth recovery. Proper preparation helps optimise surgical outcomes and minimise complications.
- Consultation: Meet with your orthopaedic specialist to understand the procedure, discuss your medical history, and evaluate whether knee surgery is necessary for your condition.
- Medical Evaluation: Your surgeon may recommend X-rays, MRI scans, or blood tests to assess the knee joint and plan the arthroscopic procedure effectively.
- Medications: Inform your doctor about any medicines you are taking, particularly blood thinners, as these may need to be paused before surgery.
- Diet and Hydration: You may be advised to avoid food and drink for several hours before the procedure, especially if anesthesia is required.
- Lifestyle Preparation: Stop smoking and limit alcohol intake, as these factors can delay healing and increase risks.
- Arrange Support: Since you may experience pain or limited mobility after surgery, arrange for someone to accompany you and assist during the first few days of recovery.
- Awareness of Risks: Discuss potential long-term complications of arthroscopic knee surgery with your surgeon to understand recovery expectations and ensure informed decision-making.
How is a Knee Arthroscopy Performed?
After consultation and detailed knee evaluations, if your doctor recommends knee arthroscopy surgery, here's what typically happens:
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat various knee-related conditions. Here are the general steps involved in a knee arthroscopy procedure
- Preparation: Before the procedure, the patient is typically given anesthesia. Depending on the case, this could be local anesthesia (numbing only the knee area) or general anesthesia (making the patient unconscious).
- Small Incisions: The surgeon makes small incisions around the knee to insert the arthroscope and surgical instruments. These incisions are usually less than half an inch in size.
- Arthroscope Insertion: The arthroscope, a thin and flexible fiber-optic camera, is inserted through one of the incisions. This allows the surgeon to view the inside of the knee joint on a monitor.
- Inspection: A saline solution is used to expand the knee for a better view of the cartilage, ligaments, and other structures.
- Diagnosis: The surgeon examines the knee joint to identify any issues, such as torn ligaments, damaged cartilage, inflamed synovium, or loose fragments.
- Treatment: Depending on the findings, the surgeon may perform various procedures to address the issues. Some common procedures include:
- Ligament Repair or Reconstruction: If a ligament (such as the anterior cruciate ligament, ACL) is torn, it may be repaired or reconstructed using sutures or grafts.
- Meniscus Repair or Trimming: Torn sections of the meniscus (c-shaped cartilage) may be repaired using sutures or removed through a procedure called meniscectomy.
- Cartilage Repair: Techniques such as microfracture, drilling, or cartilage transplantation might stimulate the growth of new cartilage in damaged areas.
- Synovial Tissue Removal: If the synovium is inflamed (synovitis), it may be removed to alleviate symptoms.
- Loose Body Removal: Any loose bone fragments or cartilage that could cause pain or interfere with joint movement are removed.
- Post-operative Care: After the procedure, you will receive guidelines for resting, icing, compressing, and elevating your knee (RICE method), along with a rehabilitation plan.
Who Performs a Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy surgery is performed by experienced orthopaedic surgeons specialising in minimally invasive knee procedures. These specialists have the expertise to manage torn ligaments, meniscus injuries, and chronic knee conditions while ensuring safe outcomes and faster recovery.
Knee Arthroscopy Recovery Tips
Recovery after knee arthroscopy surgery is usually smooth, but following proper post-operative care helps reduce discomfort and prevent complications. Follow these essential guidelines:
- Follow Doctor's Advice: Each patient's condition is unique, so always adhere to the post-surgery plan provided by your orthopedic specialist.
- Rest and Limit Activities: Avoid strenuous activity, running, or heavy lifting for at least 2-4 weeks after knee arthroscopy.
- Protect the Knee: Keep the surgical area clean and avoid unnecessary strain until your doctor confirms proper healing.
- Pain Management: Use prescribed pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications to control discomfort and reduce swelling.
- Balanced Nutrition: A protein-rich diet with fruits and vegetables supports tissue healing and faster knee arthroscopy recovery time.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: These can slow healing and increase the risk of post-surgical complications.
- Regular Follow-ups: Attend all scheduled visits so your surgeon can monitor the knee and assess mobility progress.
- Watch for Warning Signs: Contact your doctor immediately if you notice severe swelling, persistent pain, fever, or redness around the incision site.
Lifestyle changes after knee arthroscopy procedure
After undergoing a knee arthroscopy procedure, making certain lifestyle changes can help with your recovery and contribute to the long-term health of your knee. Here are some lifestyle adjustments to consider:
- Follow Rehabilitation Recommendations: Follow the rehabilitation plan prescribed by your surgeon and physical therapist. Engaging in recommended exercises and stretches will help you regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in your knee.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients can support the healing process. Adequate protein intake is particularly important for tissue repair and recovery.
- Manage Your Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on your knee joint. Excess weight can increase the risk of knee issues and hinder recovery.
- Gradual Return to Physical Activities: Once your surgeon has cleared you, gradually reintroduce physical activities and exercises. Always prioritize proper form and technique to prevent injuries.
- Footwear and Orthotics: Wear supportive footwear that provides cushioning and stability for your feet and knees. Orthotic inserts might be recommended to help align your feet and knees.
- Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods. Changing positions regularly can help prevent stiffness and discomfort in your knee. Gentle movement is beneficial for recovery.
- Stay Informed: Learn about your specific condition and the limitations or precautions you should be aware of. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions.
Benefits of Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that treats knee joint problems effectively, reducing pain and improving mobility. Patients experience shorter knee arthroscopy recovery time and quicker return to daily activities.
- Treats torn ligaments, cartilage damage, and chronic knee pain.
- Provides accurate diagnosis during the knee arthroscopy procedure.
- Minimally invasive technique preserves healthy knee structures.
- Reduces risk of further knee damage and long-term joint problems.
- Supports better joint stability and improved quality of life.
- Pros and cons of arthroscopic knee surgery are considered for optimal outcomes.
- Rare long-term complications of arthroscopic knee surgery with proper post-operative care.
Knee Arthroscopy Side Effects and Risks
While generally safe, knee arthroscopy can have some temporary side effects that usually resolve with proper care. Understanding potential risks helps patients prepare for a smooth recovery.
- Temporary swelling, stiffness, or mild pain near the surgical site.
- Minor bleeding or bruising that usually heals quickly.
- Rare risk of infection if post-operative care is not followed.
- Possible lingering stiffness or limited knee movement.
- Nerve or blood vessel injury occurs in uncommon cases.
- Persistent discomfort or long-term joint issues may occur in rare instances.
What is the Knee Arthroscopy Cost in India?
Providing the exact knee arthroscopy surgery cost in India is not possible without a consultation, as prices vary based on multiple factors. However, the knee arthroscopy cost in India generally ranges from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,20,000. To know the precise charges, including surgeon fees, hospital stay, and post-operative care, please contact our hospital directly.
What Affects the Knee Arthroscopy Procedure Cost?
The cost of knee arthroscopy surgery depends on factors like the type of procedure, the surgeon's experience, and the hospital facilities. Additional expenses such as anesthesia, imaging, medications, and follow-up care can also influence the overall charges.
- Type of Knee Arthroscopy Procedure: Costs differ depending on whether it is a diagnostic arthroscopy, meniscus repair, ligament reconstruction, or combined procedures.
- Surgeon's Experience: Highly skilled orthopedic surgeons with extensive expertise in arthroscopic knee surgery may charge higher consultation and surgical fees.
- Hospital Facilities & Location: Prices can vary based on the city, hospital standards, and advanced surgical technology used during the knee arthroscopy procedure.
- Additional Expenses: Charges for anesthesia, diagnostic imaging (like MRI), medications, hospitalisation, and follow-up visits can influence the total knee arthroscopy surgery cost.
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