Arthroscopic (Keyhole) Surgery is a Knee Preserving Procedure
Key Facts: Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
- Inpatient treatment: 2 days
- Outpatient treatment: 7 days
- Earliest flight home: 7 days after surgery
- Recommended flight home: 10 days after surgery
- Time before showering: 5 days after surgery
- Recommended time off work: 2 weeks
- Time before suture removal: 5 days
- Time before driving a car: 2 weeks
Arthroscopic knee surgery is a joint preserving therapy ©Viewmedica
Arthroscopic surgery (keyhole surgery of the knee) involves a minimally invasive technique usually done as day-case surgery and leads to a remarkably quick recovery.
Loose bodies, fragments and pieces of bone and cartilage floating in the knee can be removed and washed out. Rough surfaces causing osteoarthritis and inflammation can be smoothed. As the incision in the knee is so small, scarring is minimal and trauma is reduced, giving a consequent reduction in pain and fewer postoperative complications.
Arthroscopic cartilage and meniscus repair removes roughness, friction and “wear and tear” in the cartilage.
Fact Sheet Knee Arthroscopy
- Knee arthroscopy examines and surgically repairs damage to the bones, cartilage and ligaments of the knee
- 2 days inpatient treatment after surgery
- No inpatient rehabilitation required
- Earliest flight back home 3 days after surgery
- No follow-up investigation required
- Recommended sick leave work: 1-2 weeks
Prof. Dr. med. Sven Ostermeier, Consultant for Orthopaedic Knee Surgery
