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Arthroscopy of the Knee

OVERVIEW

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique where a small camera is inserted in the joint and used to examine, diagnose and treat problems in the knee joint. Also called “keyhole” surgery. Knee arthroscopy involves the use of tiny surgical instruments and a thin tube that has a camera attached to it, called an arthroscope. This is a very common minimally invasive surgical procedure that requires smaller incisions than traditional surgery.

When is an arthroscopy of the knee indicated?

Arthroscopy of the knee may be indicated if you experience knee pain that doesn’t get any better with conservative treatment, which may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, ice and physical therapy. Although arthritis causes knee pain, arthroscopy of the knee isn’t always an effective treatment for osteoarthritis. Knee arthroscopy may also be used to examine the cartilage, bones and soft tissues inside the knee. It may also be indicated to:

Diagnose injuries
Repair injured meniscus tears
Removal of a meniscal cysts
Remove loose bodies from the knee
Reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
Remove torn cartilage pieces that are loose in the joint
Repair or transplantation of cartilage defects

What does an arthroscopy of the knee entail?

Before the procedure, anaesthesia will be administered. This may include:

Regional anaesthesia, which numbs you from the waist down
Local anaesthesia, which numbs your knee only
General anaesthesia, which puts you completely to sleep

The orthopaedic surgeon will make small incisions on your knee and fill the knee with sterile salt water or saline in order to expand the knee. This allows the surgeon to see inside the knee joint. An arthroscope will be inserted in one of the incisions, and the orthopaedic surgeon will examine the knee joint with the help of the camera attached to the arthroscope. When the problem is located, small surgical instruments will then be inserted through the incisions to correct the problem. After the procedure, the orthopaedic surgeon will drain the saline from the joint and use sutures to close the incisions.

FAQ

1What are the associated risks of knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy poses some risks; however, serious complications are uncommon. You may be at increased risk of infection and excessive bleeding during and after surgery. Other risks may include blood clots, chronic stiffness, and accidental damage to tissues and nerves or bone necrosis.

2When should I seek medical attention after knee arthroscopy?

Seek medical attention if you experience the following:

Signs of an infection include severe swelling, fever or drainage from the incisions.
Severe pain or pain that doesn’t go away with the use of pain relief.
Bleeding

3After the procedure, what should I do and expect?

After the procedure, you may experience some pain, and you should:

Stay off your feet
Elevate your knee
Take pain medication
Keep your incisions covered

When is the right time to have surgery?

Typically, surgery is indicated when conservative treatment such as pain relievers or cold/heat therapy, has failed.
Dr le Roux will examine you and review your medical history before advising surgery.

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