Shoulder and Knee Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is keyhole surgery performed with a camera inserted into the joint through small incisions. It is widely used for meniscus, ligament, cartilage and shoulder problems.
Arthroscopy is keyhole surgery performed with a thin camera (arthroscope) and dedicated instruments inserted into the joint through a few small incisions. The camera image is magnified on a screen, so the surgeon can see inside the joint in detail and both diagnose and treat the problem.
Advantages of arthroscopy
- A few small incisions instead of a large one
- Less damage to surrounding tissue
- Less pain after surgery and a shorter hospital stay
- Earlier movement and return to daily life
- A magnified, detailed view of the inside of the joint
Conditions treated with knee arthroscopy
- Meniscus tears (repair or partial removal)
- Anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
- Cartilage damage (debridement, microfracture, cartilage transplantation)
- Loose bodies inside the joint
- Kneecap instability and some synovial diseases
Conditions treated with shoulder arthroscopy
- Rotator cuff tears
- Recurrent shoulder dislocation (Bankart repair)
- SLAP lesions and biceps tendon problems
- Shoulder impingement (subacromial decompression)
- Frozen shoulder (capsular release)
- Calcific tendinitis
How is it done?
Knee arthroscopy is usually done under spinal anaesthesia, and shoulder arthroscopy under general anaesthesia with a nerve block. The joint is filled with fluid to create space to see. The camera and instruments are inserted through incisions a few millimetres long. The length of the operation depends on the treatment needed. The incisions are closed with small stitches or strips.
Recovery
Most patients go home the same day or the next day. Recovery depends on what was done during the arthroscopy:
- Cleaning or partial meniscus removal only: return to daily life within a few weeks
- Meniscus repair, ligament reconstruction or rotator cuff repair: controlled rehabilitation over a few months while the repaired tissue heals
In both cases, following the physiotherapy programme closely is one of the most important factors in the result.
Preparing for arthroscopy
Blood tests and, when needed, a heart and lung assessment are done before surgery. Medicines such as blood thinners are adjusted on your doctor’s advice. You will be asked to come fasting and to wear comfortable clothes. Learning to use crutches before knee arthroscopy makes the first days easier.
The limits of arthroscopy
Arthroscopy does not solve every joint problem. In advanced arthritis in particular, simply cleaning the joint is known not to give lasting benefit. Arthroscopy is therefore chosen when symptoms have a mechanical cause, such as a tear, a loose body or a ligament injury.
Frequently asked questions
Is arthroscopy a minor procedure?
The incisions are small, but the work done inside the joint can be a major repair. Recovery time therefore depends on the procedure.
When can I walk after arthroscopy?
After knee arthroscopy most patients walk the same day. If a meniscus repair or ligament surgery was done, crutches may be needed for a while.
Will there be scars?
Because the incisions are a few millimetres long, they usually fade to very small marks.
Do I need physiotherapy after arthroscopy?
In most cases, yes. After simple procedures home exercises may be enough; after repairs, regular physiotherapy is needed.
The information on this page is general and does not replace an examination. An examination is needed to decide which treatment suits you.