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Knee Arthroscopy

What is knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a keyhole surgical procedure that allows the surgeon to see inside the knee joint using small 1cm incisions. During knee arthroscopy, the surgeon inserts a small camera into your knee joint.

The camera displays pictures on a TV screen, and the surgeon will then insert miniature surgical instruments using these images to guide them.

Because the surgery is done using very small incisions, this results in less pain for patients, less joint stiffness, and quicker recovery.

What conditions can you treat with knee arthroscopy?

The most common arthroscopic procedure for the knee is for removal (partial menisectomy) or repair of a torn meniscus.

It may also be used for treatment of damaged articular cartilage, removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage, reconstruction of a torn cruciate ligament, removal of inflamed or infected synovial tissue and treatment of patella (kneecap) injuries.

Rehabilitation

Hospital Stay

Usually knee arthroscopy is performed as a day procedure.

Mobilisation

You may need crutches for the first 10 days after the operation. You can take full weight on the leg if you wish.

Knee wound

The wounds should be kept dry until the 2 week mark. It is normal for the knee to be swollen. The swelling will decrease over a period of 2 to 4 weeks following the surgery. It should decrease a little each day.

Pain Relief

Ice packs should be placed on the knee 3 times/day. Take regular Paracetamol (Panadol 1g 3-4 times/day) and anti-inflammatories (Celecoxib 100mg twice daily with food). Use the stronger pain killers (Tapentadol) as required in the first few days.

Follow-up appointment

Your follow-up appointment will be about 2 weeks after the surgery. At this visit your wounds will be checked and sutures will be removed if necessary.

Surgery For Shoulder, Hip and Knee

Conditions For Shoulder, Hip and Knee

Perth
Albany

Enquiry

    WA Orthopaedic Consulting Rooms

    Perth
    St John of God
    Medical Clinic
    Suite 213
    25 McCourt Street,
    Subiaco WA 6008

    Albany
    Great Southern
    Specialist Centre,
    55 Cockburn Rd ,
    Mira Mar WA 6330

    Phone: 08 9489 8733
    Email: blakeney@wcortho.com.au
    Fax: 08 9489 8735

    Perth Orthopaedic Operating Theatres

    St John of God Hospital
    12 Salvado Rd, Subiaco WA 6008