Arthroscopy of the Knee
This webpage will give you information about an arthroscopy
of the knee. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What is an arthroscopy of the knee?
An arthroscopy (also called ‘keyhole’ surgery) allows your
surgeon to see inside your knee using a camera inserted through
small cuts in the skin. They can diagnose problems such as a torn
cartilage, ligament damage and arthritis (see figure 1).
Figure 1 - Model showing the internal structure of a
right knee
What are the benefits of surgery?
The main benefit of surgery is to confirm exactly what the
problem is and in many cases to treat the problem at the same
time.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Problems inside the knee can often be diagnosed using a magnetic
scan (MRI scan). However, you may then need an arthroscopy to treat
the problem.
What does the operation involve?
A variety of anaesthetic techniques are possible. The operation
usually takes between half an hour and three-quarters of an
hour.
Your surgeon will examine the inside of your knee. They will
wash out any loose material caused by wear of the joint surfaces.
It is usually possible for your surgeon to trim or repair a torn
cartilage without needing to make a larger cut.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications
- Pain
- Infection in the surgical site (wound)
- Unsightly scarring
- Blood clots
- Difficulty passing urine
2 Specific complications
- Damage to nerves around the knee
- Developing a lump under the wound
- Infection in the knee joint
- Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of the knee (Complex
Regional Pain Syndrome)
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home the same day.
It is common for the knee to be a little swollen for a few
weeks. Walking can be uncomfortable.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities
as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a
member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Most people make a good recovery and can return to normal
activities. Your surgeon can tell you if you are likely to get
further problems with your knee.
Summary
An arthroscopy allows diagnosis and treatment of some common
problems affecting the knee, without the need for a large cut in
the skin. This may reduce the amount of pain you feel and speed up
your recovery after surgery.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Stephen Milner DM FRCS (Tr. & Orth.)
Illustrations: Medical Illustration Copyright © 2010 Nucleus
Medical Art. All rights reserved. www.nucleusinc.com
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2011 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on this website is produced
by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Ramsay Health Care
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You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any
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The information should not replace advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.