Knee arthroscopy at Hereford Hospital

What is knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive (keyhole) surgical technique used to diagnose and treat problems within the knee joint. A small camera, called an arthroscope,is inserted through a tiny incision (cut), allowing the surgeon to see the inside of the knee joint in detail. Specialised instruments can then be used to treat a range of conditions, such as torn cartilage, ligament damage, and arthritis.

What treatments can be performed with knee arthroscopy?

Several treatments can be performed using knee arthroscopy, including:

• Meniscal surgery, such as meniscal repair or partial meniscectomy (removal of the torn portion of the meniscus).
• Cartilage procedures, such as microfracture (to stimulate new cartilage growth) or chondroplasty (smoothing of damaged cartilage).
• Ligament surgery – such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction or removal of loose bodies (usually fragments of cartilage or bone resulting from injury)

Your surgeon will first examine the inside of your knee and confirm the issue before starting treatment. Then, using specialised instruments through small incisions (cuts), they can perform the appropriate treatment.

What are the benefits of knee arthroscopy?

• Accurate diagnosis and treatment: The arthroscope provides a clear view of the inside of the knee, allowing your surgeon to diagnose and treat problems.
• Minimally invasive: Only small cuts are required, resulting in less damage to surrounding tissues compared to open surgery.
• Shorter recovery time: Most people can return to their normal activities within 2 to 3 weeks.
• Lower risk of complications: The risk of bleeding and infection is lower compared to open surgery.
•  Less pain and swelling: As your surgeon will only make small cuts, you're likely to have less pain compared to open surgery.

What happens during knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is usually done under general anaesthetic, although spinal or local anaesthetic may be used in some cases. Knee arthroscopy typically takes between 30 to 45 minutes.

1. Your surgeon will make 2 or 3 small incisions (cuts) around your knee.
2. A tiny camera (arthroscope) is inserted through one of the incisions to examine the inside of your knee.
3. The surgeon may wash out any loose material caused by wear of the joint surfaces with sterile fluid.
4. If possible, your surgeon will then use specialised instruments to treat the problem inside your knee, such as trimming or repairing cartilage, removing loose bodies, or smoothing damaged joint surfaces.
5. The cut is closed with stitches or sticky strips.

After the knee arthroscopy

• Once your knee arthroscopy operation is over, you’ll be taken to the recovery room.
• Your wounds, blood pressure and pulse will be checked carefully.
• You should be able to go home the same day as your operation.
• You won’t be able to drive, so you will need to arrange for someone to take you home from the hospital once you are discharged.

After your knee arthroscopy, you’ll be taken to the recovery room where your vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse, and wound sites, will be monitored. Most people are able to go home on the same day. However, please arrange for someone to take you home after you’re discharged, as you won't be able to drive
.

Recovery from knee arthroscopy surgery

Most people recover fairly quickly and can return to their normal activities within 2 to 3 weeks, as knee arthroscopy typically causes minimal tissue damage, especially when only minor repairs are required.
You may experience soreness, swelling, and discomfort in your knee during the first week after surgery.  If you have any concerns about your recovery, please discuss them with your surgeon and healthcare team.

Complications of a knee arthroscopy

Most people make a good recovery and return to normal activities following knee arthroscopy. As with any surgery, there can be complications:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection of the surgical site (incision)
• Scarring
• Blood clots (DVT - deep vein thrombosis)
• Difficulty passing urine.
  

Specific complications of knee arthroscopy might include:

• Damage to the nerves around the knee which can cause weakness, numbness or pain.
• Infection in the knee joint.
• Complex regional pain syndrome: A rare but serious complication involving chronic pain, stiffness and limited use of the knee after surgery.