Question 1

What is knee arthroscopy?

Accepted Answer

Knee arthroscopy is 'keyhole surgery' where a surgeon inserts a tiny camera (arthroscope - about the width of a pencil) through small incisions to see inside your knee joint. The camera is connected to a TV screen, allowing the surgeon to examine the meniscus (cartilage shock absorbers), cruciate ligaments (ACL/PCL), joint surface cartilage, and joint lining. If a problem is found, small instruments can be inserted through additional tiny incisions to repair or remove damaged tissue. It's called 'minimally invasive' because the cuts are small (5-7mm) compared to traditional 'open' knee surgery requiring large incisions.

Question 2

Why has my doctor recommended arthroscopy?

Accepted Answer

Arthroscopy is recommended when: 1) Conservative treatment (physiotherapy, injections) hasn't worked after 6-12 weeks, 2) There's a mechanical problem causing catching/locking (likely meniscus tear or loose body), 3) The diagnosis is unclear despite MRI, or 4) You have symptoms suggesting repairable damage. Common reasons: meniscus tears not healing, loose bodies causing locking, unexplained persistent pain, torn cartilage flaps. NOTE: Arthroscopy is NOT recommended for simple knee arthritis without mechanical symptoms - studies show it doesn't help arthritis pain.

Question 3

Will I be awake during the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Most knee arthroscopies are done under general anesthetic (you're asleep). Some are done under spinal/epidural block (awake but numb from waist down) - you can watch the procedure on the screen if you want. Choice depends on: your preference, anesthetist's recommendation, your medical conditions, and length of expected surgery. General anesthetic is most common in Australia. Either way, you won't feel pain during the procedure.

Question 4

How long does the surgery take?

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic arthroscopy: 20-30 minutes. Therapeutic arthroscopy depends on procedure: meniscus trim 30-45 minutes, meniscus repair 60-90 minutes, loose body removal 20-40 minutes, multiple procedures combined 60-120 minutes. However, your total time at hospital is longer - usually arrive 1-2 hours before surgery, spend 1-2 hours in recovery after. Most people are home 4-6 hours after arrival.

Question 5

When can I walk after arthroscopy?

Accepted Answer

Depends on what was done. Diagnostic arthroscopy or meniscus trim: walk same day with minimal discomfort. You'll be encouraged to walk within hours of waking up. Meniscus repair: crutches with partial weight-bearing for 6 weeks (meniscus needs time to heal). Cartilage procedures: usually weight-bear as tolerated within days. Your surgeon will give specific instructions before you go home. Most procedures allow immediate weight-bearing.

Medical Disclaimer

Knee Arthroscopy (Keyhole Surgery)

📖What is Knee Arthroscopy (Keyhole Surgery)?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention