Knee Arthroscopic Surgery
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Knee Arthroscopic Surgery
Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which incisions are made through the skin and other soft tissues to view the knee joint. It is less invasive than any other surgical procedures.
This surgery is performed to treat various knee problems. The surgeon inserts a small camera called an arthroscope into the knee joint. This camera displays images on a video monitor and the surgeon can diagnose knee problems using those images.
When Should I Undergo Knee Arthroscopy?
Your doctor would suggest knee arthroscopy if you have severe knee pain and it does not respond to nonsurgical treatments such as rest, physical therapy and medications or injections. This surgical procedure can relieve painful symptoms caused by some serious problems.
Knee arthroscopy is performed to treat various ailments such as:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Fractures in knee bones
- Torn ligaments
- Damaged cartilage
- Fluid formation where it needs to be drained
How to Prepare for Knee Arthroscopy?
Your surgeon helps you on how to prepare for the surgery. If you are taking any prescription, the surgeon may ask you to stop taking certain medications for a few weeks or days before the surgery. The doctor also asks you to stop eating or drinking for 6 to 12 hours before the surgery.
The surgeon also prescribes you some pain medication to deal with any discomfort you may experience after the surgery.
What Happens During Knee Arthroscopy Procedure?
Before the surgery, your surgeon gives you an anesthetic to numb the pain which can be local, regional or general. The anesthetic is based on the extent of the arthroscopy.
The surgeon initiates the surgery by making small incisions in your knee. Saline or saltwater will be pumped to expand the knee. He then inserts the arthroscope through the cuts. The doctor can look around your knee using this camera.
When the doctor identifies the problem in your knee using the images displayed on the monitor, he inserts small tools through the incisions to correct the tissues. After the procedure, the surgeon removes the tools and drains the solution. He also closes the incisions using stitches and covers the knee with a soft bandage.
How About Recovery After The Procedure?
Knee Arthroscopy is less invasive and takes less than an hour. You can return to your home on the same day of the surgery. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully after the surgery.
You may have some pain after the surgery. The doctor prescribes medications to prevent pain and blood clots. You need to use an ice pack on your knee to reduce swelling and pain. You need to keep the incisions clean and dry and you should change the dressing. Your doctor suggests you a few exercises or physical therapy to help recover your knee. The doctor explains to you about when you need to do these things and for how long.
With proper care, the results of the surgery will be excellent and many people can return to their full activities after the surgery.
Knee Arthroscopic Surgery in Lucknow
Knee arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat selected knee conditions through small incisions, helping improve knee function and relieve symptoms.
Knee Arthroscopic Surgery in Lucknow
Knee arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat selected knee conditions through small incisions, helping improve knee function and relieve symptoms.
Symptoms That May Indicate You Need Knee Arthroscopy
Patients often describe their symptoms in everyday language. Common symptoms include:
Persistent knee pain
Knee locking or catching
Swelling that repeatedly returns
Knee giving way while walking
Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
Pain after sports or twisting injuries
Clicking or popping sensation
Reduced knee movement
Difficulty squatting or climbing stairs
Persistent symptoms despite physiotherapy
Pain while sitting for long periods
Pain while standing or walking
Back stiffness in the morning
Pain while bending forward
Pain after lifting heavy objects
Pain radiating to the buttocks or legs
Tingling or numbness in the legs or feet
Weakness in one or both legs
Muscle spasms in the back
Pain after sports or physical activity
These symptoms alone do not confirm the need for arthroscopic surgery. A clinical examination and imaging studies are important before treatment decisions are made.
When to see a doctor urgently?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Knee injury after a fall or sports accident
- Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
- Suspected ligament injury or fracture
- Rapid swelling after injury
- Fever with a painful, swollen knee
- Sudden locking of the knee joint
- Severe instability causing repeated falls
- Open wounds near the knee joint
How Is Knee Arthroscopy Planned?
Accurate diagnosis helps determine whether knee arthroscopy is appropriate:
Clinical Examination
- Walking pattern (gait assessment)
- Knee range of motion
- Ligament stability testing
- Meniscus assessment
- Muscle strength evaluation
Imaging & Investigations
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
- Blood Tests (when required)
- Pre-operative fitness assessment
Treatment Ladder for Knee Conditions
Most patients do not require surgery immediately. Treatment is usually approached in stages:
1) Non-Surgical Management
- Activity modification
- Pain-relieving medications
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Physiotherapy
- Home exercise programmes
2) Physiotherapy, Bracing & Injections
- Structured physiotherapy
- Knee braces
- Corticosteroid injections
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections
- Hyaluronic acid injections (selected patients)
3) Knee Arthroscopic Surgery
- Meniscus tears
- Loose cartilage fragments
- Certain ligament injuries
- Persistent knee locking
- Selected sports-related knee injuries
4) Knee Reconstruction or Replacement Surgery
More extensive surgery may be considered if arthroscopy is not suitable or when advanced joint damage is present.
Recovery Expectations
Recovery depends on the condition treated and the procedure performed:
After Conservative Treatment
Many patients improve with physiotherapy and activity modification over several weeks.
After Knee Arthroscopy
Most patients return home on the same day. Recovery generally involves pain management, wound care, physiotherapy, and gradual return to normal activities as advised by the surgeon.
Long-Term Recovery
Recovery time varies depending on the underlying knee condition and rehabilitation programme.
Risks and Limitations of Knee Arthroscopic Surgery
Treatment Risks
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Stiffness
- Persistent pain
- Anaesthetic complications
Limitations
- Arthroscopy is not suitable for every knee condition
- Advanced arthritis may require knee replacement instead
- Recovery varies between individuals
- Physiotherapy remains important after surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is knee arthroscopic surgery?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat selected knee conditions.
When is knee arthroscopy recommended?
It may be recommended for persistent knee pain, meniscus tears, ligament injuries, loose cartilage, or knee locking when non-surgical treatment has not provided adequate relief.
Is knee arthroscopy a major surgery?
No. Knee arthroscopy is generally considered a minimally invasive procedure performed through small incisions.
How long does knee arthroscopy take?
The procedure usually takes less than one hour, depending on the condition being treated.
Can I go home the same day?
Many patients are discharged on the same day after knee arthroscopy, depending on their overall condition and the procedure performed.
How long does recovery take after knee arthroscopy?
Recovery varies depending on the condition treated and individual healing. Physiotherapy plays an important role in rehabilitation.
Is physiotherapy necessary after knee arthroscopy?
Yes. Physiotherapy helps restore knee movement, strength, and function during recovery.
What are the risks of knee arthroscopy?
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, stiffness, persistent pain, and anaesthetic complications.
Can knee arthroscopy treat arthritis?
Knee arthroscopy has a limited role in advanced osteoarthritis and is not suitable for every patient. Treatment recommendations depend on the underlying diagnosis.
When should I seek urgent medical attention after a knee injury?
Seek immediate medical care if you cannot bear weight, have severe swelling, experience knee locking, or suspect a fracture or major ligament injury.
Dr. Gaurav Sharma
Chief Orthopedic Specialist
Dr. Gaurav Sharma
Chief Orthopedic Specialist
Why Choose Orygyn Clinic?
- Led by Dr. Gaurav Sharma, MMBS, MS Orthopaedics, Fellowship in Arthroplasty, Fellowship in Arthroscopy
- Trained at Medanta, Gurgaon and Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai.
- Specialist in Joint replacement Surgery
- Modern operation theatre with laminar flow (infection control standard for joint surgery)
- Full orthopaedic and gynaecology facility under one roof
- Structured pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative protocols
- Dedicated physiotherapy support for rehabilitation
Dr. Gaurav Sharma
Dr. Gaurav Sharma is one of the best Orthopedic Surgeon in Lucknow. He is well known to provide patient-focused care and excellence in treating all conditions of Knee, Shoulder & other Orthopaedic problems.
Our Specialities
Dr. Ruchi Garg
Dr. Ruchi Garg is a dedicated Senior Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Laparoscopy Surgeon with 23+ years of vast experience in clinical practice, surgeries & academics. She is well known for preferring & successfully conducting Normal Deliveries, even for her High-Risk Pregnancy Patients.