Knee Arthroscopy

The most common knee problems where knee arthroscopy may be recommended for diagnosis and treatment are:

Dr Yu will make two or three small incisions around the knee. Next, a sterile saline solution is injected into the knee to push apart the various internal structures. This provides a clear view and more room for Dr Yu to work.

An arthroscope, a narrow tube with a tiny video camera on the end, is inserted through one of the incisions to view the knee joint. The structures inside the knee are visible to Dr Yu on a video monitor in the operating room.

Dr Yu first examines the structures inside the knee joint to assess the cause of the problem.

Once a diagnosis is made, surgical instruments such as scissors, motorized shavers, or lasers are inserted through another small incision, and the repair is performed based on the diagnosis.

Most patients are discharged the same day after knee arthroscopy. Recovery after the surgery depends on the type of repair procedure performed. Recovery from simple procedures is often fast. However, recovery from complicated procedures takes a little longer. Recovery from knee arthroscopy is much faster than that from an open knee surgery.

Pain medicines are prescribed to manage pain. Crutches or a knee brace may be recommended for several weeks. A rehabilitation program may also be advised for a successful recovery. Therapeutic exercises aim to restore motion and strengthen the muscles of the leg and knee.

Knee arthroscopy is a safe procedure and complications are very rare. Complications specific to knee arthroscopy include bleeding into the knee joint, infection, knee stiffness, blood clots or continuing knee problems.