Knee Arthroscopy Surgery in Surrey
One Orthopaedics, Knee Surgeons in Guildford
What is Involved in Knee Arthroscopy?
A knee arthroscopy, otherwise known as keyhole surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure. During an arthroscopy we insert a small camera into the knee joint cavity through an incision at the front of the knee.
The camera is used to identify any pathology within the knee, such:
These can then be treated using arthroscopic instruments.
A second portal is then created on the other side of the front of the knee joint, through which a variety of instruments can be passed to treat underlying pathologies.
These include meniscal tears (which can be repaired using special sutures or resected using arthroscopic scissors), and articular cartilage defects (which can be filled in using microfracture techniques or repaired using arthroscopic screws).
This technique can also be used to perform the majority of ligament reconstruction operations, in conjunction with other small incisions around the knee.
Why might I need knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is one of the most common procedures in orthopaedics. A multitude of knee pathologies and symptoms, such as pain, swelling, instability and mechanical locking of the knee, can be treated using arthroscopic techniques.
Your consultant will have an in-depth conversation about your symptoms, and examine your knee, to come to a diagnosis. We will recommend keyhole surgery if your symptoms are related to a pathology that can be treated with arthroscopy.
What happens after surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is normally carried out as a day-case procedure under general anaesthetic. Local anaesthetic will also be infiltrated around the knee to minimise post-operative pain. Immediately following the operation, you will be fully mobile, often without crutches.
You can normally expect to go home on the same day and will be followed up by your surgeon after two weeks so we can ensure things are progressing and healing as planned.
Often the wounds do not require stitches and are closed with dressings alone. These should stay on for two weeks following surgery and will be removed in the clinic at the appropriate time.
Recovery milestones
Days 1 to 4:
Following surgery, it is important to rest the knee, elevate the leg, use ice and compression bandaging, and appropriate analgesia, to help with the pain and swelling following surgery.
You will normally be fully mobile throughout this time, but often if you do too much on the knee during the first two it will delay your recovery.
Week 1 to 2:
By the end of the first week, many patients can move around with less assistance and may be able to bear weight on the operated leg with the help of crutches or a walker.
Pain and swelling typically start to decrease, but it’s important to continue with prescribed pain management and icing regimen.
Weeks 2 to 6:
Over this period your gait pattern will return to normal and you will be able to go out for longer walks comfortably.
However, we would not recommend that you consider doing walks of longer than an hour, to avoid the knee becoming sore and swollen again.
Weeks 6 to 12:
You should be able to return to normal sporting activities.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a knee arthroscopy for knee arthritis?
The answer to this is normally no. Evidence has shown that arthroscopic washouts, or ‘scrapes’, do not provide significant improvement in symptoms over a prolonged period of time.
The risks of the surgery normally outweigh the benefits. However, if you have significant locking symptoms, secondary to loose bodies in the joint that the arthritis has created, these can be improved with arthroscopic surgery.
When can I run after surgery?
We would normally recommend not returning to long-distance running for approximately two to three months following surgery, to reduce the chance of the knee flaring.
When can I fly after surgery?
We would normally recommend avoiding flying for six weeks following surgery, and potentially three months for long-haul flights. This can be discussed with your consultant.
We would also recommend anti-blood-clotting precautions when flying following surgery.
