Knee Arthroscopy

Why the Procedure Is Performed

Arthroscopy may be recommended for these knee problems:

• Torn meniscus. Meniscus is cartilage that cushions the space between the bones in the knee. Surgery is done to repair or remove it.
• Torn or damaged anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
• Torn or damaged collateral ligament
• Swollen (inflamed) or damaged lining of the joint. This lining is called the synovium.
• Kneecap (patella) that is out of position (misalignment).
• Small pieces of broken cartilage in the knee joint
• Removal of Baker's cyst. This is a swelling behind the knee that is filled with fluid. Sometimes the problem occurs when there is swelling and pain (inflammation) from other causes, like arthritis.
• Repair of defect in cartilage
• Some fractures of the bones of the knee

Risks

The risks for anesthesia and surgery are:

• Allergic reactions to medicines
• Breathing problems
• Bleeding
• Infection

Additional risks for this surgery include:

• Bleeding into the knee joint
• Damage to the cartilage, meniscus, or ligaments in the knee
• Blood clot in the leg
• Injury to a blood vessel or nerve
• Infection in the knee joint
• Knee stiffness

Before the Procedure

Always tell your health care provider what medicines you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.

During the 2 weeks before your surgery:

• You may be told to stop taking medicines that make it harder for your blood to clot. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), and other blood thinners.
• Ask which medicines you should still take on the day of your surgery.
• Tell your provider if you have been drinking a lot of alcohol (more than 1 or 2 drinks a day).
• If you smoke, try to stop. Ask your provider for help. Smoking can slow down wound and bone healing.
• Always let your doctor know about any cold, flu, fever, herpes breakout, or other illness you have before your surgery.

On the day of your surgery:

• You will most often be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure.
• Take the medicines you been told you to take with a small sip of water.
• You will be told when to arrive at the hospital.

After the Procedure

You will have an ace bandage on your knee over the dressing. Most people go home the same day they have surgery. Your provider will give you exercises to do.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Full recovery after knee arthroscopy will depend on what type of problem was treated.

Problems such as a torn meniscus, broken cartilage, Baker's cyst, and problems with the synovium are often easily fixed. Many people stay active after these surgeries.

Recovery from simple procedures is fast in most cases. You may need to use crutches for a while after some types of surgery. Your provider may also prescribe pain medicine.

Recovery will take longer if you have had a more complex procedure. If parts of your knee have been repaired or rebuilt, you may not be able to walk without crutches or a knee brace for several weeks. Full recovery may take several months to a year.

If you also have arthritis in your knee, you will still have arthritis symptoms after surgery to repair other damage to your knee.

References

Griffin JW, Hart JA, Thompson SR, Miller MD. Basics of knee arthroscopy. In: Miller MD, Thompson SR, eds. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 94.

Phillips BB, Mihalko MJ. Arthroscopy of the lower extremity. In: Canale ST, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2012:chap 51.