Knee Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a true minimally invasive surgery in orthopaedics. It is a process of performing surgery with the use of a small specialized camera to allow visualization of the inside of the joint. This "microscopic" camera is placed through a tiny incision, which allows the surgeon to directly observe the inside of the joint, evaluate numerous key anatomic structures and helps verify the safe placement of other specialized instruments.

These special instruments are also placed through tiny incisions and will be used to perform the surgical procedure of choice. Typically only 2 or 3 incisions are used. This form of surgery has been rapidly expanding in its utility over the last few decades, offering a faster, safer and far less painful alternative to many traditional methods of surgery.

Arthroscopy was first implemented for routine use in the knee, and has grown to be used in nearly every joint in the body from the hip to the fingers. It also allows for a more rapid recovery and carries fewer risks typically than the traditional "open" or larger surgical procedures. Most orthopaedic surgeons have received some training in arthroscopic surgery and will use it when indicated in their practice. However, the trained sports medicine surgeon has undergone specialized and focused training in this surgical technique and uses this as their primary surgical tool for most procedures.

Knee Arthroscopy has become one of the most common surgeries performed in orthopaedics. The knee was the first joint to be routinely treated with arthroscopy and as such, most orthopaedic surgeons have had experience in this technique and in basic arthroscopic knee surgical procedures. However, the more complicated and newer procedures are typically performed by sports medicine trained surgeons.

The list of surgical procedures in the knee that can be performed arthroscopically is quite long and growing. Some common procedures include (but not limited to):

• Meniscus debridement or repair
• Removal of loose bodies
• Treatment of isolated cartilage defects
• Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
• Scar Tissue Releases

Some of these diagnoses are addressed specifically in other sections of this website and may include educational videos about the specific procedures as well.

Typically, the risk of complications from knee arthroscopy is incredibly small. These include the risk of infection, damage to surrounding nerves and blood vessels, or incomplete resolution of symptoms.  These are very rare. Depending on the specific procedures being performed (and several may be performed during the same operation), other more specific risks should be addressed and your surgeon will discuss these with you in detail.

Overall, this is a highly successful and safe form of surgery and is performed on an outpatient basis (no hospital stay required). On occasion, some patients that undergo a few of the large arthroscopic procedures will stay over-night in the hospital or surgery center but go home the following day. The recovery period and rehab process is very specific to the type of procedure being performed and needs to be discussed with your surgeon in detail.