Arthroscopy: Everything You Need to Know About Keyhole Knee Surgery
By Dashvanth Healthcare Medical Team · Reviewed by our specialists · East Delhi
What Is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into a joint through a tiny incision. It allows surgeons to diagnose and treat joint problems with precision — with far less trauma than traditional open surgery.
Joints Treated with Arthroscopy
- Knee (most common)
- Shoulder
- Hip
- Ankle
- Elbow and wrist (less common)
Conditions Treated
- Meniscal tears (repair or partial removal)
- ACL/PCL reconstruction
- Cartilage damage (chondroplasty)
- Loose bodies in the joint
- Synovitis (inflamed joint lining)
- Shoulder instability / labral repair
- Frozen shoulder capsular release
- Femoroacetabular impingement (hip)
The Procedure
Under spinal or general anaesthesia, 2–3 small (5mm) incisions are made. Saline distends the joint for visibility. The arthroscope and instruments are introduced. Procedure time: 45 minutes to 2 hours. Day-care or overnight stay.
Advantages Over Open Surgery
- Smaller incisions — less pain, scarring
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster return to work and sport
- Lower infection risk
- Better visualisation of intra-articular structures
Is arthroscopy a major operation?
It is a surgical procedure requiring anaesthesia, so it carries anaesthetic and surgical risks. However, it is far less invasive than open surgery, with much faster recovery.
How long after arthroscopy can I walk?
For knee arthroscopy: most patients walk the same day with crutches. Full weight-bearing without aids: 1–2 weeks for most procedures (longer for ACL reconstruction).
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