Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

About This Procedure

Franciscan Health knee specialists use knee arthroscopy, or knee scope, to treat injuries including:

• Torn meniscus - the tissue that cushions the space between the bones in the knee. Surgery is done to repair the meniscus or remove the damaged part.
• A dislocated or shifted kneecap (patella)
• Cartilage injuries, including those that may break and float freely in the joint (loose bodies) swollen, inflamed, or damaged joint lining, called the synovium
• Injured & torn knee ligaments like anterior / posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL / PCL) or medial / lateral collateral ligaments (MCL / LCL)

What to expect from knee arthroscopy recovery?

A knee scope is an outpatient procedure that doesn't require a hospital stay. Although minimally invasive surgery allows a quicker recovery, it may be six to eight weeks before you can resume most physical activities. Your doctor will tell you when you can safely return to work. Depending on your condition, you may have physical therapy or occupational therapy as part of your recovery.

Knee scope for diagnosis and treatment

Arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure. Your surgeon will insert an arthroscope, a small tube with a video camera, through a small incision to check the condition of the joint. Small instruments inserted through a second small incision will be used to repair or remove the injured tissue that is causing the pain in your knee.