Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure doctors use to diagnose and treat problems inside the knee joint.
It involves inserting a tiny camera (arthroscope) through a small incision, allowing the surgeon to see inside the joint on a screen.

🔹 Why It’s Done (Indications)

Doctors recommend knee arthroscopy for:

* Meniscus tears (cartilage damage)

* ACL or PCL injuries (ligament tears)

* Cartilage defects (worn-out or damaged cartilage)

* Synovial tissue issues (inflammation inside the joint)

* Knee fractures involving cartilage

* Loose bodies (bone or cartilage fragments floating inside)

* Patella (kneecap) problems

* Knee infections

🔹 Procedure Steps

1.Anesthesia – general, spinal, or local.

2.Small incisions made near the knee.

3.Arthroscope inserted → camera shows joint structures on monitor.

4.Surgical tools (if needed) inserted through other small incisions.

* trimming or repairing torn meniscus

* reconstructing ligament

* removing loose bone/cartilage

* smoothing cartilage surfaces

5.Closure – small stitches or adhesive strips.

🔹 Advantages

* Smaller incisions → less pain, less scarring.

* Faster recovery compared to open knee surgery.

* Lower risk of infection.

* Usually outpatient (go home the same day).

🔹 Recovery

1.Initial phase: swelling, discomfort for a few days.

2.Physiotherapy starts soon after to regain movement and strength.

3.Return to normal activities:

* Desk work: 1 week

* Sports: 4–6 weeks (depends on type of surgery)

🔹 Risks & Complications

* Infection (rare)

* Blood clots (DVT)

* Knee stiffness or swelling

* Nerve or vessel injury (very rare)

* Incomplete relief of symptoms (if arthritis is advanced)