Knee Arthroscopy

Overview What to Expect Our Expertise & Doctors FAQ

What is knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy, or arthroscopic knee surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to repair or remove damaged structures in the knee joint.

How it works

arthroscopy-knee

Arthroscopy refers to the technique of inserting a small camera through small incisions to view, diagnose and perform certain repairs to the affected area.

As it is minimally invasive, recovery time is typically shorter, and the small incisions heal more easily compared to open surgery.

When do you need knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy may be recommended if you experience knee problems or injuries such as:

Torn anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments
Torn meniscus (the cartilage between the bones in the knee)
Patella that’s out of position
Pieces of torn cartilage that are loose in the joint
Removal of a Baker’s cyst
Swollen synovium (the lining in the joint)

What are the risks and complications of knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure and is generally considered safe. However, like any other knee surgery, it carries a small risk.

Common knee arthroscopy complications include:

Bleeding in the joints or blood clots
Chronic stiffness in the knee
Inadvertent damage to the nerves or surrounding tissue
Infection inside the knee

What can you expect in knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy may be performed under local or general anaesthesia. Your doctor will discuss the most suitable option with you.

During the procedure

Your surgeon will make several small incisions in the knee to insert the arthroscope, or camera. Saline solution is used to expand the area for the surgeon to get a better view of the knee joint.

Your surgeon will conduct the repair work through the incisions. At the end of the surgery, the area is drained of saline.

Care and recovery after knee arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure. The recovery time after knee arthroscopy is shorter compared to open surgery.

Light activity is possible 1 – 3 weeks after the procedure. The amount of time taken to fully recover may differ depending on the individual. However, you will most likely be able to resume your normal daily activities after 6 – 8 weeks.

Your doctor will instruct you on caring for your incision wounds at home, which may include:

Applying ice packs to reduce swelling and pain
Changing the dressing regularly, as directed, to prevent infection
Getting sufficient rest
Keeping your leg elevated for several days after surgery
Relieving pressure on the knee joint by using crutches
Taking pain medication as directed

Why choose Gleneagles Hospital?

At Gleneagles Hospital, our international patients come to Singapore to access a wide range of orthopaedic diagnostic and surgical procedures.

Our patients with knee conditions receive personalised care from our orthopaedic consultants and surgeons trained in minimally-invasive surgical techniques like knee arthroscopy.