Knee Arthroscopy

1. What is knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat problems within the knee joint. It’s often used for conditions like torn meniscus, ligament injuries, cartilage damage, or removing loose bone or cartilage fragments.

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2. Why would I need knee arthroscopy?

You may need knee arthroscopy if you experience:

• Persistent knee pain or swelling.

• Limited mobility or instability in the knee.

• Damage to the meniscus, ligaments, or cartilage.

• Loose fragments of bone or cartilage within the joint.

 

Your doctor will typically recommend arthroscopy if non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medication, or injections fail to provide relief.

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3. How is knee arthroscopy performed?

The surgeon makes small incisions around the knee and inserts an arthroscope (a small camera) to visualize the inside of the joint. Additional incisions are made to insert tools for repairing or treating the problem. The procedure is usually performed under general, local, or spinal anesthesia.

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4. How long does the procedure take?

Most knee arthroscopy procedures take between 30 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the type and complexity of the treatment.

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5. Will I be awake during the procedure?

It depends on the type of anesthesia used. You may be fully asleep under general anesthesia or awake but numbed from the waist down with spinal or local anesthesia.

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6. How long does it take to recover from knee arthroscopy?

Recovery times vary depending on the procedure performed, but most patients return to light activities within 1-3 weeks. Full recovery, including return to sports or strenuous activity, can take 6-12 weeks with proper rehabilitation.

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7. Will I need physical therapy after knee arthroscopy?

Yes, physical therapy is often recommended to restore knee strength, range of motion, and function. Your surgeon will provide a tailored rehabilitation plan to help you recover effectively.

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8. When can I return to work or sports?

• Desk jobs: Usually within 1-2 weeks.

• Physically demanding jobs or sports: Typically 6-12 weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery and your progress in rehabilitation.

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9. Will I need crutches after surgery?

Yes, you may need crutches for a few days to a few weeks after surgery, depending on the procedure and your surgeon’s instructions.

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10. What are the risks of knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is generally safe, but like any surgery, it carries some risks, including:

• Infection.

• Blood clots.

• Stiffness or swelling.

• Persistent pain.

• Damage to surrounding structures, though this is rare.

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11. What are the benefits of knee arthroscopy?

• Minimally invasive with small incisions.

• Faster recovery and less pain compared to open surgery.

• Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of knee conditions.

• Reduced scarring.

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14. Is knee arthroscopy done on an outpatient basis?

Yes, most knee arthroscopies are performed as outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the same day.

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Disclaimer:

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The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, surgical, or legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, it does not substitute professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Individual health conditions vary, and you should seek the advice of a qualified medical professional before making any healthcare decisions.