The knee carries the full weight of the body every time you walk, climb stairs or turn. Its stability comes from ligaments, the menisci (the knee's shock absorbers) and the muscles around it. Sudden stops, twisting and direct blows, common in football and basketball, can tear these structures. Arthroscopy shows every corner of the joint on a high-definition screen, so problems that scans miss can often be found and treated in the same session.
When is it needed?
- Anterior and posterior cruciate ligament (ACL / PCL) tears
- Meniscus tears
- Cartilage injuries
- Loose bodies inside the joint
- Synovitis (inflamed joint lining)
- Persistent knee locking or giving way
How it is done
- 1Small portals
Two or three 0.5 cm openings are made around the knee, under spinal or general anaesthesia.
- 2Camera inspection
A fibre-optic camera magnifies the inside of the joint on a screen, so every structure is checked.
- 3Repair or reconstruction
Torn menisci are repaired or trimmed, and a torn ACL is rebuilt with a tendon graft fixed in tunnels in the bone.
- 4Same-day or next-day discharge
Most patients go home the same day or the next morning.
Advantages
- 0.5 cm openings instead of a 10–15 cm incision
- Less pain and a faster recovery
- Very small, discreet scars
- Earlier return to work and sport
Recovery
- Week 1Ice, elevation and simple exercises to control swelling.
- Weeks 2–6Physiotherapy to restore movement and muscle strength.
- Months 6–9Return to pivoting sports after ACL reconstruction, once strength tests are passed.
Common questions
Can an ACL tear heal without surgery?
A torn ACL does not grow back. Less active patients may manage with physiotherapy, but people who play sports usually need reconstruction to keep the knee stable and protect the meniscus.
How long does the operation take?
Usually 30–90 minutes, depending on what needs repairing.
When can I drive?
Often after 2–6 weeks, depending on which knee was operated on and how quickly control returns.
This information is general and does not replace a medical consultation. Every case is assessed individually.
