Arthroscopy

What is an Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopic surgical procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis. This means patients can return home the same day of the procedure.

Arthroscopy of the Knee Joint

Knee arthroscopy is an operation that involves inserting a small camera into your knee. The camera sends an image of the inside of your knee to a screen. Instruments are inserted into the knee through a second small incision at the front of the knee.

The benefits of arthroscopy include

smaller incisions
faster healing
more rapid recovery, and
less scarring

Some arthroscopic surgical procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis. This means patients can return home the same day of the procedure.

Risks with Knee Arthroscopy

Complications are not common but can occur.

Prior to making any decision to have surgery, it is important that you understand the potential risks so that you can make an informed decision regarding the advantages and disadvantages of surgery.

The following list is by no means exhaustive, so it is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor.

General surgical risks include:

risk of infection,
postoperative bleeding
clotting in the leg (deep vein thrombosis - DVT) or lung.

Apart from surgical risks, medical (including allergies) and anaesthetic complications can occur, and these can affect your general well being and health.