Arthroscopic knee surgery, also known as knee arthroscopy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various knee joint conditions. This advanced surgical technique has revolutionised orthopedic medicine, allowing surgeons like Dr. Kunal Patel at Kneebotics, Borivali to access and address knee issues with extraordinary precision while minimising patient discomfort and recovery time.
What Is Arthroscopic Knee Surgery?
Arthroscopy comes from the Greek words arthro (joint) and skopein (to look). The procedure uses a tiny camera — the arthroscope — inserted through a small incision near the knee. The camera transmits live images to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to see inside the joint without making large cuts. Surgical instruments are inserted through additional small incisions to perform repairs.
Traditional open knee surgery required large incisions, significant muscle disruption, and extended recovery. Arthroscopy achieves the same surgical goals through incisions as small as 5–10mm, dramatically reducing tissue damage, blood loss, and healing time.
Conditions Treated with Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Knee arthroscopy can both diagnose unexplained knee symptoms and treat a wide range of conditions:
- Meniscal tears: The most common reason for knee arthroscopy. Torn meniscus cartilage can be repaired or trimmed (partial meniscectomy) depending on the location and severity of the tear.
- ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) reconstruction: A torn ACL — common in sports injuries — is reconstructed using a tendon graft through arthroscopic techniques.
- PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) injuries: Less common than ACL injuries, but treatable arthroscopically in selected cases.
- Cartilage damage: Damaged articular cartilage can be smoothed (chondroplasty), drilled to stimulate new growth (microfracture), or repaired with cartilage transplantation.
- Loose bodies: Fragments of bone or cartilage floating in the joint can cause locking and pain. Arthroscopy removes these efficiently.
- Synovitis: Inflammation of the joint lining (synovium) causing swelling and pain can be treated by removing the inflamed tissue (synovectomy).
- Plica syndrome: Thickened folds of joint lining tissue can cause pain and be removed arthroscopically.
- Kneecap (patella) problems: Patella malalignment, lateral release procedures, and patellar cartilage repair are all performed arthroscopically.
- Septic arthritis: Infected knee joints can be washed out (joint washout/lavage) through arthroscopy.
The Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Procedure: What to Expect
Before Surgery
Your surgeon will review your symptoms, physical examination findings, X-rays, and MRI scans to confirm arthroscopy is appropriate. You will be asked to fast for 6–8 hours before surgery. Inform your surgeon of all medications — blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin may need to be stopped temporarily.
Anaesthesia
Knee arthroscopy is typically performed under spinal anaesthesia (you are awake but numb from the waist down) or general anaesthesia. A nerve block may also be used to reduce post-operative pain. The anaesthesia choice depends on your health, the procedure planned, and surgeon preference.
During the Procedure
- The leg is positioned and a tourniquet is applied to the thigh to reduce bleeding during surgery.
- The knee is cleaned and sterile drapes are applied.
- 2–3 small portal incisions (5–10mm) are made around the knee.
- The arthroscope is inserted, and sterile saline is pumped into the joint to expand the space and improve visibility.
- The surgeon systematically examines all structures inside the knee on the monitor.
- Surgical instruments are inserted through additional portals to perform the required repair — meniscal suturing, ligament reconstruction, cartilage work, or loose body removal.
- The saline is drained, portals are closed with small sutures or steri-strips, and a bandage is applied.
Most procedures take between 30–90 minutes depending on what is being treated.
After Surgery
You will spend 1–2 hours in the recovery area before being discharged. Knee arthroscopy is usually a day-care procedure — most patients go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home.
Recovery Timeline After Knee Arthroscopy
Recovery varies depending on what was done during surgery, but general timelines are:
- Day 1–3: Rest, ice application, elevation, and pain medication. Keep the bandage dry.
- Day 3–7: First follow-up. Sutures or wound check. Physiotherapy begins with gentle range-of-motion exercises.
- Week 2–4: Increasing physiotherapy intensity. Most patients walk normally without aids within 2 weeks for simple procedures.
- Week 4–6: Return to driving and light work. Swelling gradually reduces.
- 3 Months: Return to sports for most procedures (meniscal repair may require 4–6 months).
- 6 Months: Full return to all activities including contact sports after ACL reconstruction.
Advantages of Arthroscopic Surgery Over Open Surgery
| Aspect | Arthroscopic Surgery | Open Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Incision size | 5–10 mm portals | 10–20 cm incision |
| Hospital stay | Day care (same day) | 2–5 days |
| Blood loss | Minimal | Significant |
| Infection risk | Very low | Higher |
| Recovery to work | 1–3 weeks | 6–12 weeks |
| Scarring | Minimal | Visible scar |
| Pain post-op | Mild–moderate | Moderate–severe |
Risks and Complications
Knee arthroscopy is a very safe procedure. Serious complications are rare but can include:
- Infection (less than 0.5% of cases)
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — blood clots, prevented with early mobilisation and blood thinners
- Stiffness or limited range of motion
- Nerve or blood vessel injury (very rare)
- Persistent swelling
- Failure to resolve symptoms (in cases of advanced arthritis)
Choosing an experienced arthroscopic surgeon significantly reduces these risks.
Cost of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery in Mumbai
The cost of knee arthroscopy in Mumbai varies depending on the procedure performed, hospital, implants used (for ACL reconstruction), and anaesthesia. Diagnostic arthroscopy is less expensive than reconstructive procedures. To get an accurate cost estimate personalised to your diagnosis, consult Dr. Kunal Patel at Kneebotics.
Why Choose Dr. Kunal Patel for Arthroscopic Knee Surgery in Mumbai?
Dr. Kunal Patel is a highly experienced Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon specialising in arthroscopic procedures at Kneebotics, Punit Hospital, Borivali West, Mumbai. With a Fellowship in Arthroplasty and Robotic Surgery and over 15 years of surgical experience, Dr. Patel brings precision, expertise, and a patient-first approach to every arthroscopic procedure.
He manages the full spectrum of knee arthroscopy — from meniscal repairs and ACL reconstruction to cartilage restoration and loose body removal — using the latest arthroscopic equipment for optimal outcomes.
Book a consultation: +91-9372737914 | Kneebotics, Punit Hospital, S V Road, Borivali West, Mumbai 400092. Timing: Mon–Sat, 9–11 AM and 5–8 PM.
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