Arthroscopy of the Knee Joint
What is Knee Arthroscopy?
A knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where we insert a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the knee joint. The arthroscope is attached to a screen that allows us to see inside the knee clearly. This enables accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of knee conditions.
Knee arthroscopy is one of the most common types of orthopaedic surgery performed worldwide, and most patients go home the same day. It is usually carried out under general anaesthetic.
Why Do We Perform Knee Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is highly effective for diagnosing and treating a range of knee problems, including:
✅ Torn meniscus (cartilage) – We trim damaged cartilage or repair it if suitable.
✅ Surface (articular) cartilage damage – Smooths rough cartilage or removes loose fragments that cause locking.
✅ Loose bodies – Removal of loose fragments of cartilage or bone.
✅ Cyst removal
✅ Ligament reconstruction – Treating torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL).
✅ Patella (kneecap) disorders – Treating cartilage damage or correcting tracking issues.
✅ Infection washouts
✅ General diagnostics – Identifying unexplained knee pain, swelling, or stiffness.
Understanding the Knee
Your knee is one of your body’s largest and most complex joints. It’s made up of three bones — the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap) — all covered in smooth articular cartilage that allows painless movement.
Between the femur and tibia sit two C-shaped cartilages — the menisci — which act as shock absorbers and help keep your knee stable. Strong ligaments, including the medial and lateral collateral ligaments and the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL), help control knee motion. Finally, the joint is enclosed in a capsule that contains synovial fluid, allowing smooth movement.
Common Investigations
Your knee pain will often require some imaging before surgery:
🩻 X-rays (often weight-bearing) — To assess bone alignment and arthritis.
🧲 MRI scans — For detailed images of cartilage, meniscus, and ligaments.
🖥️ CT scans — Occasionally required for complex problems.
Torn Meniscus Cartilage
Meniscal tears usually happen after twisting injuries — from sport or even everyday activities. With age, cartilage becomes more brittle and can tear easily.
Symptoms include:
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Localised pain on the inner or outer side of the knee
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Swelling
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Stiffness
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Clicking, catching or locking
If torn meniscus tissue cannot heal on its own, it can be smoothed or trimmed using keyhole surgery. This relieves symptoms and can help prevent further joint wear and tear.
Articular Cartilage Injuries
Damage to the smooth surface cartilage may cause loose fragments, swelling, and locking. Arthroscopy allows us to tidy this up and remove loose bodies, which can reduce discomfort and prevent further joint damage.
ACL Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament is vital for knee stability. When it ruptures — often during sports — surgery may involve reconstructing the ligament using keyhole techniques, allowing you to return to sporting activities after recovery and rehabilitation.
Patella (Kneecap) Disorders
Knee arthroscopy is also very useful for treating cartilage damage on the back of the kneecap or realigning the kneecap if it’s not tracking properly. Some patients may require a lateral release to reduce pain and improve movement.
Recovery & Returning to Activity
Your surgery is usually a day-case procedure. Afterwards:
✅ Rest and elevate your leg — apply ice 3–5 times daily for 20 minutes
✅ Gradual return to movement — you’ll be given exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee
✅ Pain medication will help you recover comfortably
✅ Remove the outer bandage after 24–48 hours — keep the waterproof dressings on until your wound check
✅ Return to work and driving as soon as you feel comfortable — usually 2–7 days for desk jobs and once you can control the car safely
✅ Swimming and bathing — wait until your stitches are removed at around 10–14 days
✅ Follow up — you will see Mr Frame 2 weeks post-surgery and then again at around 6 weeks
Risks of Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is very safe, and serious problems are rare. Risks include:
⚠️ Blood clots
⚠️ Infection
⚠️ Stiffness
⚠️ Numbness around the incisions
⚠️ Nerve or vessel injury
⚠️ Progression of underlying wear-and-tear
In most cases, keyhole surgery improves knee symptoms significantly. However, if the knee has advanced osteoarthritis, arthroscopy may not provide long-term relief and a partial or total knee replacement might eventually be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I be in hospital?
Around 4–6 hours — most patients go home the same day.
Do I need crutches?
Not usually, unless you have had ACL reconstruction.
When can I shower?
After 24 hours — keep dressings dry.
When can I drive?
Usually after 48 hours — as long as you can do an emergency stop.
When can I return to sport?
Typically 4–6 weeks, depending on your surgery.
Summary
Knee arthroscopy is a straightforward, proven procedure to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee conditions. My goal is to reduce your pain and improve your knee function as quickly as possible — so you can get back to doing what you love.
If you have knee pain or an old injury that’s troubling you, get in touch with us at Wessex Knee. Together we’ll put together the right plan for you.