Knee Arthroscopy
What is Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat a wide range of problems inside the knee joint. Instead of a large incision, the surgeon works through a few small portals — typically less than half an inch each — using a pencil-sized camera called an arthroscope, along with specialized miniature instruments. The camera projects a magnified, high-definition view of the inside of the joint onto a monitor, allowing precise treatment of the affected tissue with minimal disruption to the surrounding healthy structures.
At Beyond the Scope Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, arthroscopy is the foundation of how we treat many common knee conditions, including meniscus tears, cartilage damage, and ligament injuries.
When is Knee Arthroscopy Needed?
Arthroscopic surgery may be recommended when:
- Imaging and a physical exam point to a mechanical problem inside the joint — such as a torn meniscus, loose cartilage fragment, or ligament tear
- Symptoms like locking, catching, or persistent swelling haven’t responded to a reasonable course of nonsurgical treatment
- A patient wishes to return to an activity level that isn’t realistic with the current injury
- Direct visualization of the joint is needed to confirm a diagnosis that imaging alone couldn’t fully clarify
How is Knee Arthroscopy Performed?
Knee arthroscopy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under a light general anesthetic, often combined with a regional nerve block to minimize pain after surgery. A sterile fluid is used to gently expand the joint, improving visibility. The arthroscope is inserted through one small portal while instruments — such as tiny shavers, graspers, or suture devices — are passed through additional portals to treat the problem that’s been identified. Depending on what’s found, this might involve trimming or repairing torn meniscus tissue, smoothing damaged cartilage, removing loose fragments, or reconstructing a torn ligament.
Because the incisions are so small, arthroscopy generally causes less pain, less scarring, and a faster initial recovery than traditional open surgery.
Coast your way to recovery
Dr. Palsis utilizes innovative treatment techniques to get you back in motion and back to the life you love.
Recovery After Knee Arthroscopy
Recovery depends heavily on what specific procedure was performed during the arthroscopy — a simple meniscus trim heals much faster than an ACL reconstruction, for example. In general:
- Most patients go home the same day
- Ice, elevation, and a compressive dressing help control initial swelling
- Weight-bearing status (how much weight you can put on the leg) depends on what was repaired
- Physical therapy typically begins within the first one to two weeks
- Simple procedures may allow return to light activity within a few weeks, while ligament reconstructions or cartilage repairs require several months of structured rehabilitation
Your surgeon will provide a specific recovery timeline based on exactly what was addressed during your procedure.
Get back to what moves you
Dr. Palsis specializes in the treatment of knee, shoulder, and sports injuries.