A knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure whereby a thin tube with a camera on the end (an arthroscope) is inserted through a small incision to enable your surgeon to look inside your knee joint. Surgical instruments are passed through other small incisions to repair the joint or remove damaged tissue. Fluid (saline) will be pumped into the area around the joint to expand the area and give greater visibility.  Arthroscopic surgery is commonly known as ‘keyhole’ surgery.

An arthroscopy may be the chosen procedure to treat an already diagnosed condition or injury, or it may be performed for diagnostic purposes. During a diagnostic arthroscopy your surgeon may be able to immediately treat the cause of your knee pain.

Knee arthroscopy procedures can be performed under a local or general anaesthetic and you will usually be able to return home on the day of your procedure. You will be provided with physiotherapy exercises designed to get you back to full strength as quickly as possible.

Arthroscopic surgery is less invasive than open surgery that requires larger incisions, so pain is often less and recovery faster. However you will still need a period of rest and rehabilitation, including the required time off work. 

Knee Arthroscopy Procedures

Meniscal Repair – to remove or repair torn meniscal cartilage

ACL Reconstruction – to reconstruct a torn anterior cruciate ligament

Chondroplasty – to trim and remove damaged tissue from the articular cartilage

Synovial Removal – to remove inflamed synovial tissue which lines the knee joint

Misaligned Patella (Lateral Release) – to loosen ligaments to repair misalignment of the patella

Baker’s (Popliteal) cyst – to remove swollen, fluid filled lump behind the knee

Need Help?

At One Hatfield Hospital in Hertfordshire, we can book you in to see a specialist Orthopaedic Consultant for an initial consultation, usually within 48 hours.