What Is Arthroscopy? Conditions It Can Treat
Knee pain, repeated swelling, a knee that catches or locks, or difficulty returning to normal activity after an injury can sometimes indicate a problem inside the joint that needs specialist assessment. At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic in Margao, Dr. Amol Narkhede evaluates knee problems to determine whether they can be managed without surgery or whether an arthroscopic procedure may be beneficial. With experience spanning more than 2,000 knee arthroscopies, his approach focuses on identifying the underlying problem and determining which treatment is most appropriate for your knee.
Arthroscopy is a surgical technique that allows an orthopaedic surgeon to examine and treat certain problems inside a joint through small incisions. A narrow instrument containing a camera, called an arthroscope, sends images to a screen, allowing the surgeon to see the structures inside the joint and use specialised instruments when treatment is required.
Because arthroscopy uses small incisions rather than the larger opening required for many traditional operations, it can reduce the amount of disruption to surrounding tissues. However, the benefits and recovery depend on the condition being treated and the procedure performed.
Knee arthroscopy is commonly used for selected problems involving the meniscus, ligaments, cartilage and other structures inside the knee.
Conditions that may require knee arthroscopy
Meniscus tears
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that cushions the knee joint. A tear can occur during a twisting injury, sports activity or, in some cases, as the tissue changes with age. Depending on the type and location of the tear, treatment may involve repairing the meniscus or removing a limited portion of damaged tissue.
ACL and other ligament injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament, commonly called the ACL, helps stabilise the knee. When it tears, a person may experience swelling, instability or a sensation that the knee is giving way. Arthroscopy is commonly used during ACL reconstruction, although the decision to operate depends on the injury, the patient’s symptoms, activity requirements and other clinical factors.
Loose fragments inside the joint
Small fragments of bone or cartilage can sometimes become detached inside the knee. These fragments may cause catching, locking or difficulty moving the joint. In selected cases, arthroscopy can be used to examine the joint and remove problematic loose bodies.
Selected cartilage problems
Damage to the cartilage covering the joint surfaces may cause pain, swelling or mechanical symptoms. Certain cartilage problems can be treated arthroscopically, depending on the location, extent of damage and overall condition of the knee.
Inflammation of the joint lining
In selected conditions, inflamed tissue within the joint may require surgical assessment or treatment. Arthroscopy can allow the surgeon to inspect the joint and address the affected tissue when indicated.
Other selected knee problems
Arthroscopy may also be considered for certain kneecap problems and other conditions involving structures inside the knee. The decision depends on the diagnosis and whether the expected benefits justify an operation.
Importantly, arthroscopy is not suitable for every knee problem. For example, it is generally not a routine treatment for uncomplicated knee osteoarthritis. The surgeon must establish what is causing the symptoms and whether arthroscopy is likely to help.
How Dr. Narkhede Evaluates Your Knee Before Arthroscopy
At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, the first step is understanding the problem, not immediately deciding on surgery.
Dr. Amol Narkhede gives patients time to explain their symptoms and how the problem developed. He asks questions based on the particular condition, including whether there was a twisting injury, whether the knee became swollen, whether it catches or locks, whether it feels unstable and which activities cause discomfort.
He also considers how the knee problem affects everyday life. Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, working, exercising or participating in sport can help establish the significance of the symptoms.
The physical examination
Depending on the suspected condition, Dr. Narkhede may examine your knee while you are standing or lying on the examination bed. He may ask you to bend or straighten the knee, perform particular movements or cooperate with specific examination manoeuvres.
He observes how the knee moves and asks about pain, discomfort, weakness, instability or other sensations during the examination.
Different problems require different assessments. A suspected meniscus tear may call for different examination manoeuvres from a suspected ACL injury or advanced arthritis.
Imaging and further investigations
If an X-ray is needed, Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic has digital radiography X-ray facilities on the same floor as the consultation rooms. You can also bring recent X-rays, MRI scans and reports to your consultation.
Dr. Narkhede reviews the available findings alongside your symptoms and physical examination. If an MRI is indicated, it may help assess structures such as the meniscus, ligaments and cartilage that cannot be fully evaluated on a standard X-ray.
An MRI does not automatically mean surgery is necessary. The imaging findings must be considered alongside your symptoms, physical examination and functional needs.
Before recommending arthroscopy, the objective is to establish whether there is a treatable problem inside the knee and whether an operation offers a meaningful advantage over non-surgical treatment.
Arthroscopy Treatment Options
Not every patient with a suspected meniscus tear, ligament injury or other knee problem needs surgery. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, severity of the injury, knee stability, activity requirements and response to conservative care.
Non-surgical treatment
For selected knee problems, treatment may begin with activity modification, medication when needed and physiotherapy. The aim is to reduce symptoms, restore movement and improve strength and function without an operation.
The suitability of conservative treatment depends on the specific injury. Some patients may improve with rehabilitation, while others with significant structural damage or persistent instability may benefit from a surgical assessment.
Meniscus repair or partial meniscectomy
If a meniscus tear is causing significant symptoms, arthroscopy may be considered. Where the tear is suitable for repair, the surgeon may use specialised instruments and sutures to help the tissue heal. In other cases, a limited portion of damaged meniscus may be removed.
The choice depends on factors such as the tear’s location, pattern, tissue quality and the condition of the knee. Preserving meniscal tissue is an important consideration because the meniscus helps distribute loads across the joint.
ACL reconstruction
For selected ACL injuries, surgery may involve reconstructing the damaged ligament using a graft. The procedure is commonly performed arthroscopically, with additional steps required to position and secure the graft.
Not everyone with an ACL tear needs reconstruction. The decision depends on knee instability, associated injuries, activity requirements and whether rehabilitation provides sufficient functional stability.
Treatment of loose bodies and selected cartilage problems
When loose fragments inside the knee cause mechanical symptoms, arthroscopy may allow the surgeon to locate and remove them. Certain cartilage problems may also be addressed through arthroscopic techniques.
The exact procedure depends on the findings and the nature of the damage. Patients should understand what the operation is intended to achieve and what limitations may remain afterward.
When a different operation may be needed
Arthroscopy is not a universal solution for knee pain. In advanced osteoarthritis, for example, an arthroscopic procedure may not address the underlying joint degeneration. A different treatment strategy may be more appropriate, including consideration of knee replacement in selected patients.
Dr. Narkhede’s broader experience in joint replacement surgery allows him to assess knee problems within the context of the overall condition of the joint, rather than treating arthroscopy as the answer to every painful knee.
What to Expect Before, During and After Arthroscopy
If arthroscopy is recommended, the surgical team will explain the procedure, preparation requirements, expected benefits, potential risks and recovery plan.
Before surgery
You will need an assessment of your general health and any investigations required for the planned procedure. Your medical history, current medicines, allergies and other relevant health conditions should be discussed with the treating team.
You will receive instructions about eating and drinking before surgery, medication adjustments if needed, and arrangements for getting home afterward. Do not stop prescribed medication unless your treating team instructs you to do so.
The type of anaesthesia will be decided by the surgical and anaesthesia teams based on the procedure and your individual circumstances. Knee arthroscopy may be performed using different anaesthesia techniques, so the method should not be assumed before your assessment.
Clinic-specific details requiring confirmation: the hospital where Dr. Narkhede performs arthroscopy, the usual admission arrangements, and the exact preoperative assessment process.
During the procedure
The surgeon makes small incisions around the knee to introduce the arthroscope and specialised instruments. The joint is examined using the camera images, and the planned treatment is performed if the findings support it.
The length of the operation varies according to the problem and the procedure required. A straightforward arthroscopic procedure may take less time than a complex meniscus repair or ACL reconstruction.
The surgeon closes or dresses the small incisions at the end of the procedure.
Immediately after surgery
After the operation, the clinical team monitors your recovery from anaesthesia and provides instructions about pain relief, wound care, movement and weight-bearing.
Some patients can put weight on the leg relatively soon, while others need crutches, a brace or temporary restrictions. The instructions depend on what was done inside the knee, particularly if a repair or reconstruction needs protection during healing.
Do not assume that every arthroscopy has the same postoperative restrictions.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery varies considerably according to the procedure.
After a relatively minor arthroscopic procedure, some patients resume everyday activities within a short period. Meniscus repair, ACL reconstruction and certain cartilage procedures generally require more extensive rehabilitation and a longer recovery.
Physiotherapy may be an important part of recovery, helping restore movement, strength, balance and functional stability. Returning to work, driving, exercise and sport should be guided by the treating surgeon’s instructions and your progress.
At Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, physiotherapy is available through Dr. Rucha Narkhede within the same clinic. Where rehabilitation is recommended, patients can receive guidance on exercises and their correct technique.
There is no single recovery timeline for all arthroscopies. Your expected recovery depends on the diagnosis, the procedure performed, the condition of the knee and how rehabilitation progresses.
When Should You See an Orthopaedic Specialist About a Possible Knee Injury?
An assessment is worth considering if knee pain or mechanical symptoms persist, repeatedly return or interfere with your normal activities.
You should seek an orthopaedic assessment if:
- Your knee remains painful after a twisting injury or sports injury.
- The knee repeatedly swells after activity.
- Your knee catches or locks during movement.
- You have difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee.
- The knee feels unstable or repeatedly gives way.
- You cannot return to your usual activities despite appropriate rehabilitation.
- You have persistent symptoms after a suspected meniscus or ligament injury.
- You want to understand whether surgery is likely to help or whether non-surgical treatment remains an option.
Seek urgent medical assessment after a significant injury if you cannot bear weight, your knee is severely swollen or deformed, or you cannot move it normally. A hot, red and very painful knee accompanied by fever or feeling unwell also needs prompt assessment.
The purpose of an early assessment is to identify the injury and its severity, not to assume that arthroscopy is automatically required.
Your Care Journey at Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic
Your care begins by contacting Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic by phone or WhatsApp to enquire about a consultation with Dr. Amol Narkhede.
During the consultation, he listens to your concerns, asks questions specific to your symptoms and examines the knee. If an X-ray is needed, digital radiography facilities are available on the same floor as the consultation rooms.
If further investigation is required, he can explain what information is needed and why. Once the diagnosis and available treatment options have been assessed, he discusses whether conservative treatment, physiotherapy or a surgical procedure may be appropriate.
If arthroscopy is recommended, the operation itself is arranged through the appropriate surgical facility. The surgical team will explain the procedure, preparation, anaesthesia, postoperative care and follow-up arrangements.
Physiotherapy may form part of recovery, depending on the operation and your individual needs. Dr. Rucha Narkhede provides physiotherapy at the clinic, where patients can receive guidance on prescribed exercises and rehabilitation.
The important distinction is that consultation and on-site X-ray imaging are available at Healthy Bones and Joints Clinic, while the location and arrangements for surgery must be confirmed for the individual procedure.
