Knee Arthroscopy

What is knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure that allows visualisation of, and access to, the knee joint for diagnosis and treatment. It is characterised by the use of an arthroscope: a small fibre-optic telescope that can be inserted into a joint to assess and treat a variety of conditions. 

Indications and contraindications for knee arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is effective for the treatment of:

Meniscal tear, debridement, or repair.

Removal of loose bodies from the knee joint.

Cartilage damage.

Intraarticular fracture.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury.

Plica lesions.

Patello-femoral (kneecap) disorders. 

 

Contraindications for knee arthroscopy include: 

Advanced knee arthritis.

Poor general health.

Benefits and complications of hip arthroscopy

Benefits

  • Allows precision assessment and treatment formulation for conditions which can’t be reliably diagnosed radiographically.
  • Less painful than an open procedure.
  • Faster recovery compared to an open procedure.

 

Known complications

  • Permanent damage to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (~ 2% of patients).
  • Cartilage damage.
  • Superficial or deep infection (< 1% of patients).
  • Vascular injury and bleeding.
  • Pain.

The surgery

The following is what can be expected before Knee Arthroscopy surgery:

Preparation prior to surgery

  • You will receive a thorough health assessment: including medical history. You may be advised to modify certain lifestyle factors and you may be referred to another specialist. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications as your surgery date approaches. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs will be used to evaluate your condition and plan your surgery.  
  • Skin and bowel preparation: On the evening before your surgery, you will be asked to wash your leg using the sponge provided at your pre-admission clinic. A skin test may be administered if an iodine allergy is suspected. You will also be provided medicine to help you evacuate your bowels prior to surgery.
  • Patient education: if neccessary, you may speak with a physiotherapist who can advise you on post-operative mobility. 

 

On the day of the surgery

  • You will be asked to complete your surgical paperwork and will meet with the anaesthetist.
  • The surgical site will be prepared.
  • You will be administered general or spinal anaesthesia.
  • A small incision will be made into the knee through which the arthroscope will be inserted.
  • A second incision is made on the inner side of the knee to introduce specialised instruments for assessment and treatment.
  • Steps will be taken to repair or remove components of the knee as required, e.g. trimming bone spurs or removing inflamed tissue.
  • The wound will be sutured and dressed. 

 

After your surgery

  • Wound care: your incisions will be closed with absorbable cosmetic sutures and covered by a waterproof dressing. These will remain intact for 7-10 days. You may clean the wound gently with warm water and soap, being careful to dry it thoroughly. 
  • Pain and swelling: You may experience mild to moderate pain at the surgical site. You will be prescribed painkillers to manage these symptoms. Inflammation can be controlled by icing (15 minutes per hour maximum) and elevation.
  • Mobilising: this will be guided by the degree of surgical intervention. Crutches may be used initially and some limping is expected for the first few weeks of recovery. 
  • Physiotherapy: you will be provided with a bespoke programe to improve your strength, mobility and stability/.

Concerns

If you are concerned about your pain level, or develop significant bleeding, fever or redness around the surgical site, please contact us immediately. For after-hours support, contact the hospital at which your surgery was completed. They will contact Prof. Al Muderis on your behalf.

Norwest Private Hospital: (02) 8882 8882

Macquarie University Hospital: (02) 9812 3000

This treatment could be eligible for our
No 'Out-of-Pocket' Expenses Program

For further information, click here or to check your eligibility, please contact our team. 

Speak with our team on +61 2 8882 9011

Need an urgent appointment? No problem.
Need X-rays? X-ray facilities available at all clinic locations

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Professor Munjed Al Muderis

Professor Dr Munjed Al Muderis is an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in osseointegration, hip, knee and trauma surgery. He is a clinical professor at Macquarie University and The Australian School Of Advanced Medicine, a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and Chairman of the Osseointegration Group.

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Disclaimer

Information provided via this website is for educational and communication purposes only. The material presented is neither intended to convey the only, nor necessarily the best, method or procedure, but rather represents techniques and procedures used by Professor Munjed Al Muderis. Professor Munjed Al Muderis disclaims any and all liability for injury and/or other damages which result from an individual using techniques presented on this website. Professor Munjed Al Muderis, to the best of his knowledge, believes the information presented is current and applicable to work being done by orthopaedic surgeons worldwide.