Knee Arthroscopy
What is knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy, or arthroscopic knee surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to repair or remove damaged structures in the knee joint.
How it works
Arthroscopy refers to the technique of inserting a small camera through small incisions to view, diagnose and perform certain repairs to the affected area.
As it is minimally invasive, recovery time is typically shorter, and the small incisions heal more easily compared to open surgery.
When do you need knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy may be recommended if you experience knee problems or injuries such as:
- Torn anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments
- Torn meniscus (the cartilage between the bones in the knee)
- Patella that’s out of position
- Pieces of torn cartilage that are loose in the joint
- Removal of a Baker’s cyst
- Swollen synovium (the lining in the joint)
What are the risks and complications of knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure and is generally considered safe. However, like any other knee surgery, it carries a small risk.
Common knee arthroscopy complications include:
- Bleeding in the joints or blood clots
- Chronic stiffness in the knee
- Inadvertent damage to the nerves or surrounding tissue
- Infection inside the knee
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