Knee Arthroscopy

What is a diagnostic knee arthroscopy?

Diagnostic knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine the inside of the knee joint to diagnose issues such as cartilage damage, ligament injuries, or arthritis. The procedure involves inserting a small camera (arthroscope) through tiny incisions to view the knee's internal structures in detail. This helps doctors accurately diagnose the source of knee pain or other symptoms that may not be clearly identified through imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs.

Knee arthroscopy is often recommended when physical examinations and imaging tests alone cannot confirm the cause of your knee problems. The procedure is used to diagnose knee conditions, and sometimes treatments can be carried out during the same procedure.

When is a diagnostic knee arthroscopy recommended?

Diagnostic knee arthroscopy is usually performed when you have persistent knee pain or other symptoms that cannot be fully explained by imaging tests. It is particularly useful for identifying cartilage damage, ligament injuries, or inflammatory conditions like arthritis. In some cases, knee arthroscopy can help confirm or rule out specific conditions such as meniscus tears or ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries.

It can also be used to explore joint inflammation or infection, which may not be apparent through other diagnostic methods. By visually inspecting the inside of the knee joint, your surgeon can gain a clearer understanding of the problem and determine the best treatment.

What does a knee arthroscopy involve?

Knee arthroscopy is typically done as a day case procedure. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour and is usually performed under general or local anaesthesia. After cleaning the knee, your surgeon will make small incisions around the joint. A tiny camera, known as an arthroscope, is inserted into the knee through one of these incisions, allowing your surgeon to view the knee on a monitor in real-time.

If necessary, small surgical instruments may be inserted through additional incisions to carry out treatments during the same procedure. For example, torn cartilage can be trimmed, or loose bone fragments can be removed. Once the diagnostic or treatment work is complete, the instruments are removed, and the small incisions are closed with stitches or adhesive strips.

Benefits of diagnostic knee arthroscopy

The key benefit of diagnostic knee arthroscopy is its ability to provide a clear diagnosis of knee conditions that may not be visible on imaging tests. Additionally, the procedure allows for simultaneous treatment of certain knee issues, such as repairing torn ligaments or cartilage, which can further improve recovery times and outcomes. For many patients, this procedure leads to quicker return to normal activities compared to more invasive surgical approaches.

What are the potential risks and complications?

Although knee arthroscopy is considered safe, it does carry some risks, as with any surgical procedure. These include infection at the incision site, which is rare but possible, as well as bleeding or swelling in the knee after the procedure. In some cases, there may be temporary pain, stiffness, or discomfort in the knee, but these symptoms generally improve within a few days.

Serious complications such as damage to nerves or blood vessels are very rare. Your surgeon will discuss the potential risks with you in detail before the procedure to ensure you fully understand what to expect.

Knee arthroscopy recovery

After knee arthroscopy, you can expect some discomfort and swelling, but these usually subside within a few days. Your doctor may recommend applying ice packs and keeping your knee elevated to reduce swelling. You should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and high-impact exercises for at least a week or two, depending on the recommendations from your healthcare provider.

Recovery is generally quick, and many people are able to return to light activities within a few days. However, for full recovery, it may take several weeks, especially if treatment was carried out during the procedure. Your doctor may also recommend physiotherapy to strengthen the knee and restore mobility, helping you get back to your normal routine faster.

Follow-up appointments will be arranged to check on your progress and discuss any findings from the procedure. If a specific condition was treated during the arthroscopy, your doctor will provide further guidance on managing your recovery and any additional steps that may be needed.

Long-term outlook

Diagnostic knee arthroscopy is an effective tool for identifying and treating knee problems that cannot be diagnosed through imaging tests alone. The procedure allows your surgeon to accurately assess the knee joint and, in many cases, treat issues during the same surgery. Most patients experience significant improvement in symptoms and are able to return to normal activities following recovery, depending on the condition being treated.