Knee Arthroscopy
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What Is Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat conditions of the knee. It involves viewing the knee joint with a camera and a cold light source inserted through a 4-millimetre incision, followed by treatment of any identified injuries.
It is a modern and effective method for treating common knee conditions.
Knee Anatomy
The knee is one of the most complex joints in the body. It consists of the distal end of the femur, the proximal part of the tibia, and the patella. Important structures around the knee joint include:
Menisci (medial and lateral): These are two elastic fibrocartilaginous structures that act as the shock absorbers of the joint. They absorb impact and contribute to smooth movement and knee stability.
Ligaments: Ligaments are bands of connective tissue that connect bones to each other. The main ligaments of the knee are the collateral and cruciate ligaments. The collateral ligaments are located on the outer and inner sides of the knee, while the cruciate ligaments are located in the centre. The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments cross in the centre of the knee and contribute to joint stability.
Cartilage: Articular cartilage covers the joint surface. It is smooth and allows the bones to glide smoothly and without restriction.
Synovial Membrane: It is the lining of the joint that produces synovial fluid, contributing to knee lubrication.
Conditions Treated with Knee Arthroscopy
The most common knee conditions treated arthroscopically are:
Meniscus tear (partial meniscectomy or meniscus repair)
Anterior cruciate ligament tear (ligament reconstruction)
Cartilage injuries (chondropathy)
Loose bodies in the knee
Patellar dislocation – instability
Knee inflammation
Early knee osteoarthritis
What Are the Advantages of Arthroscopy?
Improved visibility of the joint
Much lower complication rates compared to open procedures
Minimal tissue damage and therefore reduced postoperative pain
Faster patient recovery
Faster return to work and daily activities
Excellent cosmetic result
No need for hospitalisation
What Should I Know Before Surgery – Preoperative Preparation?
The patient will be informed about the proposed arthroscopic treatment for their knee condition, as well as the subsequent rehabilitation process. The anaesthesiologist will examine the patient, take a detailed medical history, and organise the preoperative assessment.
The preoperative assessment includes routine blood tests, a chest X-ray, and a cardiological evaluation. The anaesthesiologist will provide the necessary instructions regarding the use or discontinuation of medications before surgery, as well as when the patient should begin fasting.
Hospital Admission – Anaesthesia
The patient is admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery. In consultation with the anaesthesiologist, they may choose either mild general anaesthesia (sedation) or to remain awake (spinal anaesthesia).
The specialised anaesthesiologist Dr Koutra also administers regional – local anaesthesia, which ensures the absence of postoperative pain and allows immediate mobilisation of the patient.
The patient is discharged from the hospital on the same day, as hospitalisation is not required.
Arthroscopy Procedure – Duration of Surgery
Dr Leonidou will create 2 small incisions (4 millimetres in length) on the inner and outer surfaces of the knee. He will insert a camera into the knee, the arthroscope, which is connected to a cold light source and a monitor.
Through the monitor, Dr Leonidou examines the inside of the knee with magnification and high-definition clarity (HD). The knee is distended using a saline pump. Through the second incision, the surgeon inserts all the necessary arthroscopic instruments to treat the underlying pathology.
At the end of the procedure, the skin incisions are covered with simple adhesive strips, without stitches, and a cotton-elastic bandage is applied to the knee. The procedure is recorded on a DVD, which is provided to the patient before discharge.
The duration of the procedure depends on the knee condition and usually ranges from 20 minutes to one hour.
Recovery and Rehabilitation After Arthroscopy
At the end of surgery, the patient may use crutches. For most knee procedures, crutches are optional, and usually within a few days patients are able to walk freely.
The patient will have a dressing around the knee, which will be removed 3 days after surgery. Before discharge from the hospital, the patient will discuss in detail with Dr Leonidou the surgical findings and will receive the relevant booklet with postoperative instructions.
During the first days, elevation of the operated limb and additional ice therapy are recommended. In most cases, the patient can return to driving very quickly.
Exercises After Surgery
The patient will be monitored by a physiotherapist from our team, following an individualised rehabilitation protocol.
Common exercises include: knee isometric exercises, flexion and extension exercises, stretching, and quadriceps strengthening.
The aim of physiotherapy and the home exercise programme is to strengthen the knee and restore its full range of motion. Proper
Surgical Success
Knee arthroscopy is a demanding surgical procedure and requires a specialised surgeon with a high volume of cases. In experienced hands, it provides excellent results both in eliminating pain and in the complete functional recovery of the patient. It is a safe and bloodless technique with extremely low complication rates.
What Is the Cost and Price of Arthroscopy? How Much Does the Procedure Cost?
The cost is quite affordable and depends on the complexity of the patient’s condition and the specialised materials required. The cost of the procedure includes the arthroscopic materials, hospital stay expenses, and the fee of the surgical team.
There is also participation from the patient’s insurance fund (EOPYY). Patients with private insurance are covered according to the terms of their insurance policy.
For more information, please contact us.
If you also suffer from a knee condition, consult the specialised Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou. The doctor has 14 years of continuous experience abroad and specialises in knee arthroscopy.
Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialist care, and targeted treatment in just one visit.