SERVICES

Knee Arthroscopy

What Is Knee Arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to examine, diagnose, and treat knee joint conditions. It involves inserting a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the knee through tiny incisions. The camera projects images onto a monitor, allowing the surgeon to assess the joint’s condition and perform necessary repairs using miniature surgical instruments.

Unlike traditional open knee surgery, arthroscopy requires only small incisions, leading to reduced pain, faster recovery, and minimal scarring. This procedure is commonly used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Benefits of Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy offers several advantages, making it a preferred choice for treating knee problems. Some key benefits include:

  • Minimally Invasive: The procedure uses small incisions, reducing tissue damage compared to open surgery.
  • Faster Recovery: Patients typically recover quicker and resume daily activities sooner.
  • Reduced Pain and Swelling: Smaller incisions result in less post-operative pain and swelling.
  • Lower Risk of Complications: Compared to open surgery, the risk of infection and other complications is lower.
  • Improved Diagnosis and Treatment: The high-definition camera provides a clear view of the knee joint, allowing precise diagnosis and treatment.

To find out if knee arthroscopy may be suitable for you, please reach out to us today for a detailed evaluation and advice.

What Can Knee Arthroscopy Diagnose?

What Can Knee Arthroscopy Diagnose?

Knee arthroscopy is an excellent diagnostic tool for identifying various knee joint conditions. Some common diagnoses include:

  • Meniscus Tears: Damage to the cartilage that cushions the knee joint
  • Ligament Injuries: Injuries to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or PCL (posterior cruciate ligament)
  • Cartilage Damage: Areas of worn or damaged cartilage can be assessed
  • Knee Infections: Detecting infections inside the knee joint
  • Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like synovitis, where the joint lining is inflamed
  • Loose Bodies: Small fragments of bone or cartilage floating within the knee joint

What Does Knee Arthroscopy Treat?

Besides diagnosis, knee arthroscopy is also used to treat several knee conditions, such as:

  • Meniscus Repair or Removal: Damaged meniscus tissue is either repaired or removed
  • Ligament Reconstruction: Torn ligaments, like the ACL, can be reconstructed
  • Cartilage Restoration: Damaged cartilage can be repaired or smoothed out
  • Patella (Kneecap) Realignment: Addressing issues related to kneecap misalignment
  • Debridement of Loose Bodies: Removing small fragments that cause pain and discomfort
  • Inflammation Removal: Removing inflamed synovial tissue to relieve pain
What Does Knee Arthroscopy Treat?

Common Types of Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy can be performed for various conditions. Some of the most common types include:

  • Meniscectomy: Partial or total removal of a torn meniscus
  • Meniscus Repair: Stitching and repairing a torn meniscus
  • ACL Reconstruction: Replacing a torn anterior cruciate ligament with a graft
  • Cartilage Restoration: Treating damaged cartilage using techniques like microfracture or autologous chondrocyte implantation
  • Lateral Release Surgery: Releasing tight tissues around the kneecap to improve movement
  • Synovectomy: Removal of inflamed synovial tissue to treat chronic inflammation

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Knee Arthroscopy?

Patients experiencing persistent knee pain, swelling, or limited mobility that does not respond to non-surgical treatments may be candidates for knee arthroscopy. Suitable candidates often include:

  • Individuals with torn meniscus or ligaments
  • Those suffering from chronic knee pain due to cartilage damage
  • Athletes with knee injuries requiring repair
  • Patients with persistent knee inflammation unresponsive to medications
  • People with knee instability or locking issues

A consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon is necessary to determine if knee arthroscopy is the right choice based on the patient's specific condition.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Knee Arthroscopy?
How Is Knee Arthroscopy Performed?

How Is Knee Arthroscopy Performed?

Knee arthroscopy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under general, spinal, or local anesthesia. The steps include:

  • Preparation – The knee is sterilized, and anaesthesia is administered
  • Incision and Camera Insertion – Small incisions are made, and the arthroscope is inserted
  • Examination and Treatment – The surgeon inspects the knee joint and performs necessary repairs using specialised instruments
  • Closure and Bandaging – Incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape, and the knee is bandaged
  • Recovery – The patient is monitored before being discharged with post-operative care instructions

What to Expect Before and After Knee Arthroscopy

Before Surgery
After Surgery

Before Surgery

  • A consultation with the surgeon will include a physical examination and imaging tests (MRI/X-ray)
  • Patients must avoid eating or drinking before surgery if undergoing general anesthesia
  • Instructions on post-surgery care and rehabilitation will be provided
Risks of Knee Arthroscopy

Risks of Knee Arthroscopy

Although knee arthroscopy is a safe procedure, potential risks include:

  • Infection – Rare but possible
  • Blood Clots – Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may occur
  • Persistent Pain or Stiffness – Some patients may experience prolonged discomfort
  • Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury – Extremely rare but can happen
  • Recurrence of Symptoms – The condition may return over time
GET IN TOUCH
Contact Us Today

For more information about our services, or to make an appointment, please reach out to us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

whatsapp us
+65 8838 7111
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Knee arthroscopy usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
Services

Sports Injuries
Orthopaedic Trauma
Knee
Hip
Shoulder
Foot & Ankle

Our Clinics

Mt Elizabeth Novena #05-24, 38 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329563 View on Google Maps

Farrer Park Hospital Connexion, #08-20, 1 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217562View on Google Maps

Operating Hours

Monday to Friday : 9am to 5pm
Saturday : 9am to 1pm
Sunday & Public Holidays : Closed