Knee pain is one of the most common reasons people visit an orthopaedic surgeon. From athletes with sports injuries to older adults dealing with arthritis, knee problems can affect anyone. When non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief, one procedure often comes into the picture: knee arthroscopy.
This minimally invasive surgery has helped millions of patients worldwide regain movement and reduce pain. But what exactly is knee arthroscopy, how does recovery look, and what should you expect if you’re considering it? Let’s break it down in a clear, easy-to-understand way.
What Is Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows surgeons to diagnose and treat problems inside the knee joint. Instead of making a large incision, the surgeon uses a small camera (called an arthroscope) that projects images onto a screen.
Through tiny incisions, the surgeon can insert instruments to repair or remove damaged tissue, smooth cartilage, or reconstruct ligaments. Because the cuts are small, the recovery is usually faster compared to traditional open surgery.
Why Is Knee Arthroscopy Performed?
Doctors may recommend knee arthroscopy for a variety of conditions, including:
- Meniscus tears – One of the most common reasons for the surgery.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries – To repair or reconstruct torn ligaments.
- Cartilage damage – To smooth or remove rough surfaces that cause pain.
- Loose bone or cartilage fragments – To remove debris inside the joint.
- Inflammatory conditions – Like synovitis, where tissue inside the joint becomes inflamed.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), more than 1 million knee arthroscopies are performed every year in the United States alone, highlighting just how common this surgery has become.
The Benefits of Knee Arthroscopy
The popularity of knee arthroscopy isn’t a coincidence. It offers several benefits compared to traditional surgery:
- Smaller incisions – Which means less scarring.
- Shorter recovery time – Most patients return to normal activities sooner.
- Less pain post-surgery – Smaller cuts mean reduced trauma to surrounding tissues.
- Lower risk of infection – Compared to open surgery.
- Precise diagnosis and treatment – Surgeons can clearly see and treat joint issues.
For athletes, this often means returning to sports in a fraction of the time compared to older surgical techniques.
What to Expect Before Surgery
If your surgeon recommends knee arthroscopy, you’ll likely go through a few steps before the operation:
Medical Evaluation
Your doctor will assess your overall health, possibly running blood tests or imaging scans to confirm the diagnosis.
Pre-Surgery Instructions
You may be advised to stop certain medications, avoid food or drink before surgery, and arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
Discussing Risks and Benefits
Although considered safe, your surgeon will explain potential risks like infection, stiffness, or blood clots so you have a full picture.
The Procedure: Step by Step
Here’s what typically happens during knee arthroscopy:
- Anaesthesia – You may receive general, regional, or local anaesthesia depending on your situation.
- Incisions – The surgeon makes two or three tiny cuts near the knee.
- Arthroscope Insertion – The camera is placed inside the joint, giving a clear image of the structures.
- Surgical Repair – Using small instruments, the surgeon repairs or removes damaged tissue.
- Closure – The incisions are closed with stitches or steri-strips and covered with a bandage.
Most procedures take less than an hour, depending on the complexity.
Recovery After Knee Arthroscopy
One of the biggest concerns patients have is recovery. Let’s look at what you can expect:
Immediately After Surgery
- Most patients go home the same day.
- Crutches may be needed for a few days.
- Pain and swelling are common but manageable with medication and ice.
The First Few Weeks
- You’ll gradually increase movement with physical therapy.
- Exercises will focus on regaining range of motion and strength.
- Many people return to office jobs within a week or two.
Long-Term Recovery
- Athletes may return to sports within 4–6 weeks for minor repairs, or up to 6 months for ligament reconstructions.
- According to studies, 80–90% of patients report significant improvement in pain and mobility after knee arthroscopy.
Risks and Complications
While safe, no surgery is without risks. Possible complications include:
- Infection (rare, about less than 1% of cases).
- Stiffness or limited mobility post-surgery.
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis).
- Nerve or blood vessel damage (extremely rare).
Your surgeon will guide you on how to reduce these risks, including exercises, medication, and lifestyle changes.
The Role of Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation plays a major role in recovery. Physiotherapists guide patients through strengthening and flexibility exercises. Skipping rehab can lead to stiffness and slower healing.
Studies show that patients who complete a structured rehab program recover up to 30% faster compared to those who don’t.
Lifestyle Adjustments After Surgery
Beyond physical therapy, a few lifestyle changes can speed recovery and protect your knee long-term:
- Maintain a healthy weight – Every extra kilogram puts additional stress on your knee joints.
- Stay active – Low-impact activities like swimming and cycling are excellent post-surgery.
- Avoid overloading the joint – Jumping back into high-intensity sports too soon can cause setbacks.
When to See a Specialist
Not all knee pain needs surgery. But if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent pain despite physiotherapy and medication,
- Frequent swelling or locking of the knee,
- Or difficulty with daily activities,
Then it may be time to consult a specialist. A trusted Perth orthopaedic surgeon can provide expert diagnosis and recommend whether knee arthroscopy—or another treatment—is the right solution for your condition.
Key Takeaways
- Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that treats a wide range of knee problems.
- Recovery is generally quick, with most patients returning to normal activities within weeks.
- Risks are low, but rehab and lifestyle adjustments are crucial for long-term success.
- Statistics show that up to 90% of patients experience relief after this procedure.
Conclusion
Knee arthroscopy has revolutionised how doctors treat knee injuries and conditions. With smaller incisions, faster recovery times, and a high success rate, it remains one of the most trusted orthopaedic surgeries today.
If you’re dealing with ongoing knee pain, don’t ignore it. Early treatment can prevent long-term damage and get you back to the activities you love.
