Knee Arthroscopy:
Keyhole Surgery for Knee Pain & Injuries
Knee arthroscopy, also called keyhole knee surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat a variety of knee conditions. Using tiny incisions and a camera, surgeons can repair or remove damaged tissue, helping relieve pain, restore movement, and speed up recovery compared with open surgery.
What Is Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy allows surgeons to see inside the knee joint using a small camera (arthroscope) inserted through incisions less than 1 cm long. Surgical instruments are passed through other small cuts to treat cartilage, meniscus, or ligament problems. This technique has become the gold standard for many knee injuries because it is less invasive and usually requires only day surgery.
Conditions Treated with Knee Arthroscopy
- Meniscus tears (repair or trimming)
- Cartilage damage or loose bodies
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries
- Knee synovitis (inflammation of joint lining)
- Patella (kneecap) alignment problems
- Knee washout for infection or arthritis
Benefits of Knee Arthroscopy
- Smaller incisions and minimal scarring
- Reduced post-operative pain
- Quicker return to work and activity
- Lower risk of infection compared with open surgery
- Day surgery in most cases
How the Procedure Is Performed
Knee arthroscopy is usually performed under general anaesthetic. The steps include:
- Small incisions are made around the knee
- The arthroscope is inserted to project images onto a monitor
- Special instruments repair, remove, or reconstruct damaged tissue
- Incisions are closed with sutures or small dressings
The surgery takes 30–90 minutes depending on the procedure performed.
Recovery After Knee Arthroscopy
Recovery depends on the condition treated. Typical guidelines include:
- Walking: Usually within hours of surgery
- Crutches: Needed for 1–2 weeks if a repair is performed
- Return to desk work: 1 week (simple procedures) to 2–3 weeks
- Physiotherapy: Begins within the first week
- Return to sport: 6 weeks for minor procedures; 6–9 months for ligament reconstruction
Risks and Complications
Knee arthroscopy is very safe, but risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Knee stiffness or swelling
- Damage to cartilage or ligaments (rare)
- Persistent pain if arthritis is already advanced
When to See a Knee Specialist
If knee pain, locking, or instability limits your activities and does not improve with rest, physiotherapy, or medication, you may benefit from a consultation with a knee surgeon to discuss whether arthroscopy is appropriate for you.