How does knee arthroscopy surgery work?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows Dr Naidu to visualise, diagnose, and treat pathology within the knee joint through small incisions. The procedure is performed using an arthroscope, a fibre-optic camera that transmits high-definition images from inside the joint to a monitor in the operating theatre.
After the knee is prepared and draped, small portals are established around the joint. Sterile fluid is introduced into the knee to distend the joint space and improve visualisation. The arthroscope is then inserted, allowing a systematic inspection of all compartments of the knee, including the patellofemoral joint, medial compartment, lateral compartment, intercondylar notch, menisci, articular cartilage surfaces, cruciate ligaments, and synovium.
Additional working portals are created to introduce specialised arthroscopic instruments that enable treatment of identified pathology.
What procedures can be performed arthroscopically?
Arthroscopic surgery allows a wide range of procedures to be performed without the need for large open incisions.
Common arthroscopic procedures include:
- Partial meniscectomy for irreparable meniscal tears
- Meniscal repair using all-inside, inside-out, or outside-in techniques
- ACL reconstruction using autograft or allograft tissue
- Removal of loose bodies
- Chondroplasty and cartilage debridement
- Microfracture procedures for focal cartilage defects
- Synovectomy for inflammatory conditions
- Treatment of impingement lesions and plica syndromes
The choice of procedure depends on the underlying pathology, patient age, activity level, and long-term functional goals.
Arthroscopic Assessment of the Knee
One of the principal advantages of arthroscopy is the ability to directly assess intra-articular structures with greater accuracy than imaging alone.
The procedure enables evaluation of:
- Meniscal integrity and tear patterns
- Articular cartilage wear and degeneration
- Cruciate ligament
- Synovial pathology
- Osteochondral lesions
- Joint instability patterns
Findings identified during arthroscopy may influence intraoperative decision-making and guide the most appropriate surgical intervention.
Surgical Techniques and Instrumentation
Modern arthroscopic surgery utilises specialised motorised and hand-held instruments designed to operate within confined joint spaces.
These may include:
- Arthroscopic shavers
- Radiofrequency ablation devices
- Meniscal repair systems
- Suture passers and fixation devices
- ACL reconstruction guides and instrumentation
- Cartilage treatment instruments
The use of these instruments allows precise treatment while minimising disruption to surrounding soft tissues, resulting in less postoperative pain and reduced surgical morbidity compared with traditional open techniques.
Post-operative Rehabilitation
The recovery process following knee arthroscopy depends largely on the procedure performed.
Patients undergoing simple debridement or meniscal trimming may return to normal activities relatively quickly, whereas ligament reconstruction and meniscal repair procedures require a structured rehabilitation programme over several months. Successful outcomes depend not only on the surgical procedure itself but also on adherence to physiotherapy protocols designed to restore range of motion, strength, neuromuscular control, and functional stability.
Dr Naidu develops an individualised rehabilitation based on the specific procedure performed and the patient's functional goals.
