Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera (arthroscope) and instruments inserted through tiny incisions to examine and treat problems inside the knee joint — without the larger incisions needed in open surgery.
Conditions commonly treated
- Meniscus tears — torn cartilage cushioning the knee joint, often from twisting injuries or wear over time.
- ACL and other ligament injuries — arthroscopy is used both to diagnose and, in many cases, to reconstruct torn ligaments.
- Cartilage damage — smoothing or treating damaged joint surface cartilage.
- Loose bodies — removing small fragments of bone or cartilage floating in the joint that cause locking or catching.
- Persistent synovitis — inflamed joint lining that hasn't responded to non-surgical treatment.
How the procedure works
Performed under spinal or general anesthesia, the surgeon makes two or three small incisions around the knee. The arthroscope transmits a magnified view of the joint to a screen, allowing precise diagnosis and treatment through the same small openings using specialized instruments. Most procedures take 30–60 minutes, and many patients go home the same day.
Recovery timeline
- Day 0–3: Walking with support soon after surgery for most patients; rest, ice and elevation to manage swelling.
- Week 1–2: Wound healing; gentle range-of-motion exercises; gradual reduction in swelling.
- Week 2–6: Physiotherapy-led strengthening; return to desk work and light activity, depending on what was treated (simple meniscus trims recover faster than ligament reconstructions).
- 6 weeks–6 months: Return to sport and higher-impact activity, timed according to the specific procedure performed and physiotherapy progress.
Recovery speed depends heavily on exactly what was treated — a simple meniscus trim recovers much faster than an ACL reconstruction, for example — so timelines are always personalized after surgery.
Why arthroscopy over open surgery
Smaller incisions generally mean less post-operative pain, lower infection risk, and a faster return to daily activities compared with traditional open knee surgery, while still allowing thorough diagnosis and treatment of the joint.
Dealing with persistent knee pain, locking or instability?
Book a consultation with Dr. Zalariya to find out if arthroscopy could help.
This article is for general patient education and does not replace individual medical advice. Every patient's condition is different — please consult Dr. Zalariya or your own treating surgeon before making decisions about your care.