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What Is Knee Arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive (keyhole) surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee conditions.

During the procedure, a small camera called an arthroscope is inserted into the knee through tiny incisions, allowing the surgeon to examine the joint and perform surgery using specialised instruments.

Compared with traditional open surgery, arthroscopy generally results in:

• Smaller incisions
• Less damage to surrounding tissues
• Reduced postoperative pain
• Faster recovery for many procedures
• Earlier return to daily activities

Not every knee condition requires arthroscopy. Treatment recommendations are based on the underlying diagnosis, symptoms and individual goals.

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When Is Knee Arthroscopy Recommended?

Knee arthroscopy is most beneficial when there is a clearly defined structural problem within the knee that can be treated arthroscopically:

• Meniscus tears
• ACL injuries
• Loose bodies within the knee
• Cartilage injuries
• Synovial disorders
• Selected sports injuries
• Persistent mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching

The decision depends on your symptoms, examination findings and imaging studies.

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When Is Knee Arthroscopy Not Recommended?

Although knee arthroscopy is an effective treatment for many conditions, it is not appropriate for every cause of knee pain.

For example, arthroscopy is generally not recommended as the primary treatment for:

• Advanced knee osteoarthritis without mechanical symptoms
• Generalised knee pain without an identifiable structural problem
• Knee pain due to inflammatory arthritis
• Degenerative knee pain where imaging findings do not correlate with symptoms

In these situations, non-operative treatment such as physiotherapy, activity modification, weight management or appropriate medication may be more beneficial.

A careful clinical assessment helps determine whether knee arthroscopy is likely to improve your symptoms.

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Conditions Commonly Treated Arthroscopically

Meniscus Tears

Arthroscopy allows treatment of many meniscus tears through:

• Meniscus repair
• Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (selected patients)

Whenever appropriate, preserving the meniscus is preferred because it plays an important role in protecting the knee joint.

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ACL Injuries

Arthroscopy is routinely used during ACL reconstruction.

The procedure allows:

• Assessment of the knee joint
• Treatment of associated meniscus injuries
• Reconstruction of the torn ACL using minimally invasive techniques

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Cartilage Injuries

Arthroscopy can be used to assess and treat selected cartilage injuries.

The most appropriate procedure depends on:

• Size of the defect
• Location
• Patient age
• Activity level

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Loose Bodies

Small fragments of cartilage or bone may become loose inside the knee.

These loose bodies may cause:

• Locking
• Catching
• Pain
• Swelling

Arthroscopy allows these fragments to be removed through small incisions.

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Synovial Disorders

Inflamed or abnormal synovial tissue may occasionally require arthroscopic assessment or removal.

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What Happens During Knee Arthroscopy?

The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia.

Small incisions are made around the knee.

An arthroscope is inserted into the joint, allowing the surgeon to inspect:

• Cartilage
• Menisci
• Ligaments
• Synovium
• Other structures within the knee

Specialised instruments are introduced through additional small incisions to perform the necessary treatment.

The exact procedure depends on the underlying condition.

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What Are the Benefits of Knee Arthroscopy?

Compared with traditional open surgery, arthroscopy may offer:

• Smaller scars
• Less soft tissue disruption
• Better visualisation of the joint
• Reduced postoperative discomfort
• Faster rehabilitation for many procedures
• Earlier return to normal activities

The benefits vary depending on the condition being treated.

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Is Knee Arthroscopy Suitable for Everyone?

No.

Knee arthroscopy is not appropriate for every cause of knee pain.

For example, patients with advanced osteoarthritis often do not benefit from arthroscopic surgery unless there is a specific mechanical problem such as a symptomatic loose body.

A careful assessment is important to determine whether arthroscopy is likely to improve your symptoms.

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Recovery After Knee Arthroscopy

Recovery depends on the procedure performed.

Examples include:

Procedure	Typical Recovery*
Diagnostic arthroscopy	Several weeks
Partial meniscectomy	Approximately 4–8 weeks
Meniscus repair	Approximately 4–6 months
ACL reconstruction	Approximately 9–12 months
Loose body removal	Often several weeks

*Recovery varies depending on the individual patient, rehabilitation and associated procedures.

Your rehabilitation programme will be tailored to your diagnosis and surgical procedure.

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What Are the Risks?

As with any surgical procedure, knee arthroscopy carries potential risks, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Knee stiffness
• Persistent pain
• Swelling
• Injury to nerves or blood vessels (rare)
• Failure to improve symptoms if arthroscopy is not appropriate for the underlying condition

These risks are generally uncommon but will be discussed during your consultation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is knee arthroscopy the same as keyhole surgery?

Yes. Knee arthroscopy is commonly referred to as keyhole surgery because it is performed through small incisions using specialised instruments.

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How long does knee arthroscopy take?

The duration depends on the procedure being performed.

Simple arthroscopic procedures may take less than an hour, while more complex procedures such as ACL reconstruction take longer.

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Will I need crutches?

Some patients can walk immediately after surgery, while others require crutches for several weeks. This depends on the specific procedure performed.

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Can I drive after knee arthroscopy?

Driving depends on which knee was operated on, your strength, mobility and ability to perform an emergency stop safely.

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Will I need physiotherapy?

Many patients benefit from physiotherapy to restore movement, strength and function after arthroscopic surgery.

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Why Choose Dr Puah Ken Lee?

Dr Puah Ken Lee is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with a subspecialty interest in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries.

He has extensive experience in arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery and believes in recommending surgery only when it is likely to provide meaningful benefit.

Treatment is individualised according to your diagnosis, lifestyle, activity level and long-term goals.

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Related Pages

You may also find these pages helpful:

• ACL Reconstruction Singapore
• Meniscus Tear Singapore
• Meniscus Repair Singapore
• ACL Rehabilitation Timeline
• Sports Knee Injuries
• Loose Body in the Knee
• Knee Surgery Singapore

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Arrange a Consultation

If you have persistent knee pain, locking, catching or instability, an assessment can help determine whether knee arthroscopy is appropriate.

Dr Puah Ken Lee provides comprehensive evaluation and arthroscopic treatment of sports-related and other selected knee conditions. Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, with the aim of restoring function while preserving the long-term health of the knee joint.

Dr Puah is regularly invited to teach knee arthroscopy

Book a consultation or contact the clinic via WhatsApp to get started

Book a consultation at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena

Sports knee injuries are common but treatable. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can improve outcomes and prevent long-term problems.
Dr Puah Ken Lee is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore specialising in shoulder, elbow and sports injuries at 360 Orthopaedics, Mount Elizabeth Novena. Patients with instability, locking or pain in the knee after a sports injury are encouraged to seek specialist evaluation.