Arthroscopy A minimally invasive surgery designed to diagnose and treat various intra-articular problems. Arthroscopy can be performed on the knee and joints of the thigh, ankle, elbow, shoulder and wrist.

Arthroscopy uses tiny equipment that requires only tiny incisions and has its advantages: less pain after surgery, reduced risk of infections, faster recovery and early return to routine activities.

Diagnostic arthroscopy is intended for a variety of conditions such as prolonged knee pain, swelling and stiffness, and especially after various tests have been unable to identify with high certainty the cause of the limitation.

Arthroscopy can also be used as a therapeutic tool for a variety of injuries within the joint - from the removal of bone or cartilage within the joint space, to the repair of damaged cartilage and other surgical operations.

What is arthroscopy of the knee intended for?

Performing an arthroscopy will be recommended by an orthopedic specialist to diagnose or treat a problem previously identified through examination or through various imaging tests such as MRI or CT.

Arthroscopy of the knee allows diagnosis of a variety of injuries to the tissues which make up the joint, such as a rupture of the anterior or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and a rupture of the meniscus cartilage which exists to stabilize the femur over the tibia.

Arthroscopy is an effective tool for treating bone fractures and cartilaginous parts which bulge in the joint space. In addition, the procedure can treat conditions such as a Baker's cyst and swelling of the articular sac.

How is arthroscopy performed?

Arthroscopy is performed under general, regional or local anesthesia - the surgeon and anesthesiologist will consult with the patient about the preferred method of anesthesia for his/her condition.

During the procedure, the camera and other surgical instruments are inserted into the joint cavity. During the operation, the joint is flushed with fluid.

At the end of the procedure, the excess fluid is drained from the knee cavity and the tiny incisions are sutured.

Recovery from knee arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery and usually does not last more than an hour. In most cases, patients can go home the same day with a bandage and administer external cooling of the knee to reduce swelling.

Recovery and return to routine is possible within a few weeks if you follow up with the surgeon and appropriate physiotherapy, which will strengthen the knee and help restore its range of motion.

What are the possible complications in arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is considered a fairly safe procedure, but like any surgery, complications can occur.

Local swelling, stiffness and discomfort after the procedure, which will usually improve within days to weeks after arthroscopy, have more serious risks, such as a blood clot, infection, bleeding or nerve damage, occurring at a rate less than one percent.