Knee arthroscopy

An arthroscopy is a surgical technique in which a viewing instrument is used to examine the knee. The medical term for this keyhole procedure is arthroscopy.

How does an arthroscopy work?

Of course, anesthesia is given before the arthroscopy. In consultation with the anesthesiologist, a choice is made for general anesthesia or a spinal block. In most cases, the choice is a spinal block. In this case, the lower body is numbed, but the patient remains conscious. It is even possible to follow the operation on a screen.

Under anesthesia, a small incision is made in the skin at the front of the knee. Through this opening, the surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera at the end. This viewing instrument is an arthroscope. With this, any damage to important knee structures such as the meniscus or the ligaments can be examined.

It is not the case that during an arthroscopy it only remains at looking. If possible, the surgeon addresses the problem in the knee immediately. In that case, the surgeon makes an extra incision in the skin. Through this, any damage, loose fragments, or rough surfaces of the meniscus and/or cartilage can be smoothed or removed. Scissors or a shaver are used for this.

It is also possible that the surgeon decides to suture the meniscus or remove it (partially). This all still takes place during the same arthroscopy.

At the end of the arthroscopy, the incisions in the skin are closed. This is done with adhesive strips, or the wound is sutured with thread. Depending on exactly what the surgeon did to the knee during the arthroscopy, it is possible that you will experience knee pain or other knee complaints for some time.

Recovery after arthroscopy

The recovery period after a knee arthroscopy varies; on average you should allow two to six weeks before the knee can be used functionally again. But this depends on what was found during the arthroscopy and the exact treatment performed.

In the weeks after the arthroscopy, it is advisable to resume the first daily activities under the guidance of a physical therapist. Returning to sports takes a bit longer. On average, sports can be resumed after three to five months.