Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows doctors to view the knee joint without making a large incision (cut) through the skin and other soft tissues. Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems.

During knee arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your knee joint. The camera displays pictures on a video monitor, and your surgeon uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments.

Because the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, your surgeon can use very small incisions, rather than the larger incision needed for open surgery. This results in less pain and joint stiffness for patients, and often shortens the time it takes to recover and return to favorite activities.

When Knee Arthroscopy Is Recommended

Your doctor may recommend knee arthroscopy if you have a painful condition that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Nonsurgical treatment includes rest, physical therapy, and medications or injections that can reduce inflammation.

Knee arthroscopy may relieve painful symptoms of many problems that damage the cartilage surfaces and other soft tissues surrounding the joint.

Common arthroscopic procedures for the knee include:

• Partial meniscectomy (removal of the meniscus), repair of a torn meniscus, or meniscus transplantation
• Reconstruction of a torn anterior cruciate ligament or posterior cruciate ligament
• Removal of inflamed synovial tissue
• Trimming or reconstruction of damaged articular cartilage
• Removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage, like those caused by synovial chondromatosis
• Treatment of patella (kneecap) problems
• Treatment of knee sepsis (infection)