General Procedure Information
Knee Arthroscopy: Assessment and Treatment
A small camera and instruments are introduced through small incisions to assess and, when appropriate, treat a problem inside the knee.
What Is It?
Knee arthroscopy uses a small camera to view the inside of the knee. Depending on the findings and the agreed treatment plan, a surgeon may treat a meniscus tear, loose body, selected cartilage problem or another issue inside the joint. It is not suitable for every type of knee pain.
When Might It Be Considered?
These are common assessment considerations only; they do not mean that you are necessarily suitable for surgery or the procedure.
- Knee pain, swelling, catching or reduced movement where history, examination and imaging suggest an intra-articular problem
- Symptoms continue to affect daily life, work or sport despite appropriate non-operative care
- A suspected meniscus tear, loose body, selected cartilage issue or another problem requiring further arthroscopic assessment
What Are the Alternatives?
- Depending on the diagnosis: activity modification, pain relief or anti-inflammatory medicine, physiotherapy, injection treatment or observation
- Some degenerative knee pain may not improve meaningfully with arthroscopy and may be better managed with other non-operative measures or joint-replacement assessment
General Assessment and Procedure Planning
Assessment commonly includes history, examination and, where needed, X-ray or MRI. The anaesthetic, number of incisions, whether tissue is repaired or removed, and same-day discharge all depend on the procedure, health status and hospital arrangements.
Important
Possible Risks and Limitations
All surgery and invasive procedures carry risks. Your actual risk depends on your condition, the scope of the procedure, health and other factors. Your doctor will discuss this individually during informed consent.
- General surgical risks, including anaesthetic complications, bleeding, wound or joint infection, swelling and blood clots
- Injury to nerves, blood vessels, cartilage or other joint structures
- Pain, swelling or reduced movement may not fully improve; further treatment or surgery may still be needed
General Recovery Approach
Recovery differs greatly between diagnostic arthroscopy, meniscus repair, partial meniscectomy, cartilage treatment and combined procedures. Do not use another person’s timetable; weight bearing, bracing, wound care and return to running or jumping should follow the operative record and the treating team’s advice.
When Should You Contact the Medical Team Promptly?
- Pain, swelling, redness or warmth becomes suddenly worse after surgery or injury
- Persistent wound bleeding or discharge, marked wound redness or swelling, fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
- New or worsening numbness, weakness, breathing difficulty, chest pain or marked calf pain/swelling
For severe illness, breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or inability to travel safely, call 999 or attend an emergency department immediately.
Reference
Hong Kong College of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Knee and Leg patient education
Would You Like to Discuss Which Treatment Direction May Be Suitable?
Book an orthopaedic assessment to discuss your symptoms, findings, lifestyle needs and treatment goals individually.