Knee arthroscopy

An arthroscopy is a surgical technique in which the knee is examined using an arthroscope. The medical term for a keyhole operation is arthroscopy.

How does an arthroscopy work?

Anaesthesia is, of course, administered before the arthroscopy. In consultation with the anaesthetist a choice is made between a general anaesthetic and a spinal anaesthetic. In most cases a spinal anaesthetic is chosen. This numbs the lower body while the patient remains conscious. It may even be possible to watch the operation on a monitor.

Under anaesthesia a small incision is made in the skin at the front of the knee. Through this opening the surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera at the tip. This viewing instrument is an arthroscope. With it, any damage to important knee structures such as the meniscus or the ligaments can be assessed.

It is not the case that an arthroscopy is only for looking. If possible, the surgeon will treat the problem in the knee straight away. In that case, an extra small incision is made in the skin. Through this, any damage, loose fragments or rough surfaces of the meniscus and/or the cartilage can be smoothed or removed. Small scissors or a punch are used for this.

It is also possible that the surgeon decides to repair the meniscus or to remove part of it. All of this is done during the same arthroscopy.

At the end of the arthroscopy the small skin incisions are closed. This is done with adhesive strips or the wound is closed with sutures. Depending on exactly what the surgeon has done to the knee during the arthroscopy, it is possible that you will continue to experience some knee pain or other knee symptoms for a while.

Recovery after the arthroscopy

The recovery period after a knee arthroscopy varies; on average you should allow two to six weeks before the knee is functionally usable again. But this depends on what was found during the arthroscopy and the exact treatment that was carried out.

In the weeks after the arthroscopy it is advisable to resume your first daily activities under the guidance of a physiotherapist. Returning to sport takes a little longer. On average, sport can be resumed after three to five months.