If you’re experiencing problems with your knee joint, you may need to undergo knee arthroscopy surgery. This minimally invasive procedure is used to assess and repair damaged cartilage, ligaments, or other soft tissues within the knee joint.
Book a consultation with our Orthopaedics team.
What is knee arthroscopy surgery?
Knee arthroscopy surgery involves inserting a computerised camera and special instruments into the knee joint through two or three keyhole incisions around the knee joint. The arthroscope (camera) allows the surgeon to see inside the joint to make a diagnosis and, if possible, treat the problem at the same time.
Why might you need knee arthroscopy surgery?
There are several reasons someone might need knee arthroscopy surgery. It is commonly carried out when alternative, non-surgical treatments haven’t effectively relieved knee pain or instability. It’s used to diagnose and treat a variety of knee problems, including torn meniscus, ligament damage, cartilage damage, and even infections.
Some of the following conditions that cause pain, swelling, and instability may be treated with this type of surgery:
- Meniscal tears (cartilage tears) – this is the most common knee injury, which causes problems with the rotation of the knee. The c-shaped cushions of cartilage act as shock absorbers for the knee during movement. Depending on the size and location of the tear, the meniscus may be repaired, trimmed, or removed.
- Damaged articular cartilage (bony joint surface) – this is the part that gets worn in arthritis and can be “shaved” or removed, depending on how badly damaged it is. The condition of this may indicate the need for joint replacement or other joint-preserving procedures.
- Loose bodies – fragments of cartilage can flake off the joint surfaces and float in the joint, causing locking. These can be removed during knee arthroscopic surgery.
- Damaged ligaments – assessing ligament stability can establish whether further surgery is required. For example, Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction.
Preparing for knee arthroscopy surgery
Before the day of your knee arthroscopy surgery, you will be invited to attend a pre-assessment clinic to ensure you are fit for surgery. This will involve several checks which may include:
- Temperature
- Blood pressure
- Pulse
- Weight
- Height
- Urine sample
- Swabs for MRSA testing
- Blood samples
- An X-ray or an MRI scan
The surgeon will also examine you and discuss the procedure, allowing you to ask any questions you may have. After this pre-assessment, and in the run-up to your surgery, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure your surgery goes well. This often includes managing your weight, maintaining a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and completing physio exercises that will help you both before and after your procedure.
What happens during knee arthroscopy surgery?
In most knee arthroscopy surgery procedures, you will be allocated a morning slot. This means you will be discharged later in the day, although sometimes an overnight stay may be required. Before your surgery, an anaesthetist will explain the procedure and answer any outstanding questions.
Knee arthroscopy surgery requires a general anesthetic, so you will not be able to eat or drink for about six hours before your procedure. This information will be provided to you before you arrive at the hospital on the day of surgery, so you have time to prepare.
How long does knee arthroscopy surgery take?
Knee arthroscopy surgery typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. However, this can vary depending on the specific work required in the knee joint and how complex the repairs are.
Recovering from knee arthroscopy surgery
Following your knee arthroscopy surgery, your knee may feel painful and swollen, especially where the incision was made. This is normal but can persist for a while. The surgeon will have dressed your leg with a bandage which needs to stay in place for 24 hours, along with several dressings which can be left for seven days unless there are signs of infection.
While in the hospital, you will be given pain relief medication and guidance on when to take the dressings off once you’re home. Once your anaesthetic has worn off and you’ve been discharged, someone will need to collect you from the hospital and take you home. This is where your recovery can begin. You will be advised to follow P.O.L.I.C.E guidelines:
- Protect: Use elbow crutches to walk well.
- Optimal Loading: Take weight through your leg to stimulate the healing process. The right activity level can help manage swelling.
- Ice: Apply ice for 20 minutes to reduce swelling, placing the pack over a damp cloth to protect your skin from ice burns. Ensure at least 20 minutes between applications.
- Compression: You will have a compression bandage, which is usually removed after 24 hours. Follow your nursing staff’s advice.
- Elevation: To control swelling, elevate your leg for 30-minute periods. Ensure your whole leg is supported with three or four pillows from your heel downwards and lie back on your bed.
If you have stitches, you will also be advised to attend the review clinic at an appropriate time decided by your surgeon. You’ll need to visit your GP surgery or see the District Nurse two weeks after surgery to have these removed.
Top tips for knee arthroscopy surgery recovery
To ensure you heal correctly and quickly after your knee arthroscopy surgery, you should follow the guidance provided by your surgeon and doctor. Some things to consider when recovering include:
- Taking painkillers regularly as advised by your surgeon
- Completing physiotherapy exercises
- Using elbow crutches
- Wearing a brace if advised by your surgeon
- Avoiding driving for around two weeks after surgery
- Drinking plenty of water
- Maintaining a healthy diet and weight
- Following P.O.L.I.C.E. guidelines
- Avoiding strenuous exercise or team sports for six to twelve weeks
Returning to work will depend on your occupation and should be discussed with your consultant. If your job involves sitting most of the day, you can usually return to work after two weeks. However, those with more physically demanding jobs may be advised to take six weeks off work, depending on recovery progress.
If you think knee arthroscopy surgery might be beneficial for you, speak to our Orthopaedic specialists for more information.
