Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
at Aster MIMS Kannur
Arthroscopy lets your surgeon see inside the knee through incisions smaller than 1 cm. Meniscus tears, loose bodies, and cartilage damage are diagnosed and treated in the same sitting. You walk the same day, and most patients return to normal activity within weeks. Dr. Vishnu uses high-definition arthroscopy to preserve as much tissue as possible and protect your knee for the long term.
What is knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows the surgeon to look inside the knee joint using a small camera (arthroscope) inserted through an incision less than 1 cm long. The camera projects a high-definition image onto a monitor, giving the surgeon a magnified view of the cartilage, meniscus, ligaments, and joint lining in real time. A second small incision is used to insert specialised instruments for treatment.
Unlike open surgery, arthroscopy does not require cutting through large amounts of muscle or soft tissue to reach the joint. This means less post-operative pain, faster healing, lower infection risk, and a quicker return to daily activities. Most arthroscopic procedures are performed under spinal anaesthesia, take 30 to 60 minutes, and many patients go home the same day.
Arthroscopy can be both diagnostic and therapeutic. When MRI findings are inconclusive or the exact nature of the damage is unclear, the camera provides a direct view that no scan can match. Once the problem is identified, it is treated in the same sitting. Common procedures include meniscus repair or partial removal, loose body extraction, cartilage smoothing (chondroplasty), microfracture for cartilage defects, and synovectomy for inflamed joint lining.
Magnified direct visualisation
The HD camera provides a magnified view of the joint interior that surpasses what the surgeon can see with the naked eye during open surgery. Subtle tears, early cartilage damage, and inflamed synovial tissue are identified and addressed with precision.
Minimal tissue disruption
Two to three incisions of less than 1 cm each replace the large incision required for open surgery. The surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments are left undisturbed, which translates to less pain, faster healing, and earlier return to activity.
Tissue preservation philosophy
Dr. Vishnu follows a tissue-preservation approach: repair the meniscus whenever the tear pattern allows, remove only the damaged portion when repair is not possible, and protect the articular cartilage to delay or prevent future arthritis.
Procedures performed arthroscopically
Arthroscopy at Aster MIMS Kannur covers the full range of knee conditions that can be treated through keyhole techniques. The two most common categories are meniscus surgery and cartilage or soft tissue procedures.
Meniscus Surgery
Meniscus repair (suture techniques for repairable tears)
Partial meniscectomy (removal of only the damaged portion)
Bucket-handle tear reduction and repair
Discoid meniscus saucerisation
Other Arthroscopic Procedures
Loose body removal (cartilage or bone fragments)
Chondroplasty and microfracture for cartilage defects
Synovectomy for inflammatory synovitis
Diagnostic arthroscopy for inconclusive MRI findings
Looking for ACL reconstruction? ACL surgery is also performed arthroscopically but is a more extensive procedure with its own dedicated page. Learn about ACL reconstruction at Aster MIMS.
When is knee arthroscopy recommended?
Arthroscopy is recommended when clinical examination and MRI indicate a structural problem inside the knee that is causing persistent symptoms despite conservative treatment.
Meniscus Tears
Tears causing pain, swelling, clicking, catching, or locking of the knee. Common after twisting injuries in sport or degenerative tears in patients over 40. Repaired or partially removed depending on tear pattern and location.
Loose Bodies
Free-floating fragments of cartilage or bone inside the joint causing sudden locking, sharp pain, or a catching sensation during movement. Arthroscopic removal provides immediate relief and prevents cartilage damage.
Cartilage Damage
Focal articular cartilage defects from injury or osteochondritis dissecans. Treated with chondroplasty (smoothing), microfracture (stimulating new cartilage growth), or other cartilage restoration techniques.
Synovitis
Chronic inflammation of the joint lining (synovium) causing persistent swelling, warmth, and discomfort despite medication. Arthroscopic synovectomy removes the inflamed tissue and provides a tissue sample for diagnosis.
Diagnostic Arthroscopy
When MRI findings are inconclusive but the patient has persistent mechanical symptoms, diagnostic arthroscopy provides direct visualisation of the joint interior. Any treatable problem found is addressed in the same sitting.
Post-Injury Locking
A knee that locks or catches after an injury, preventing full extension or flexion. Usually caused by a displaced bucket-handle meniscus tear or a loose body wedged between the joint surfaces. Arthroscopic treatment restores full movement.
From consultation to recovery
Assessment
A thorough clinical examination of the knee, including specific tests for meniscal tears, ligament stability, and cartilage damage. An MRI is reviewed (or ordered) to confirm the diagnosis and plan the surgery. Dr. Vishnu explains the findings, the expected procedure, and the recovery timeline before you decide to proceed.
Arthroscopic surgery
Under spinal anaesthesia, 2 to 3 small incisions are made around the knee. The arthroscope is inserted, and the entire joint is inspected systematically. The planned procedure (meniscus repair, meniscectomy, loose body removal, or cartilage treatment) is performed using specialised instruments. Most procedures take 30 to 60 minutes.
Same-day mobilisation
You begin walking with support on the day of surgery. Ice and elevation control swelling. For simple meniscectomy and loose body removal, weight-bearing is allowed immediately. For meniscus repair, a brace may be used with protected weight-bearing for 4 to 6 weeks. Many patients are discharged the same evening.
Full recovery
After partial meniscectomy, most patients return to full activity in 2 to 4 weeks. Meniscus repair requires a more gradual return over 3 to 4 months to allow the repair to heal. Cartilage procedures may take 3 to 6 months depending on the size and location of the defect. Dr. Vishnu guides your recovery with structured physiotherapy milestones.
Why Aster MIMS Kannur?
Aster MIMS Kannur is an NABH-accredited multispecialty hospital with a dedicated arthroscopy suite, in-house MRI, and a physiotherapy department. The orthopaedic department handles the full spectrum of knee conditions, from simple meniscectomy to complex ligament reconstruction.
Book at Aster MIMSNABH Accredited
National Accreditation Board for Hospitals certification, verifying adherence to patient safety and quality standards across every department.
Full HD Arthroscopy Suite
High-definition arthroscopy system with the complete range of specialised instruments for meniscus repair, cartilage procedures, and ligament reconstruction. Every procedure benefits from magnified visualisation.
Day-Care Surgery Capability
Many arthroscopic procedures are performed as day-care surgery. You are admitted in the morning and discharged the same evening, recovering in the comfort of your own home.
Post-Operative Support
WhatsApp access to the surgical team after discharge. Video consultations for out-of-station patients. Structured physiotherapy guidance through every phase of recovery.
Knee arthroscopy FAQ
What is the difference between arthroscopy and open knee surgery?
Arthroscopy uses 2 to 3 small incisions (each less than 1 cm) and a high-definition camera to visualise and treat problems inside the knee joint. Open surgery requires a larger incision to directly expose the joint. Arthroscopy causes less tissue damage, produces less post-operative pain, allows faster recovery, and carries a lower risk of infection. Most knee conditions that previously required open surgery can now be treated arthroscopically.
Can a meniscus tear heal without surgery?
Some small meniscus tears in the outer (red zone) of the meniscus may heal with rest and physiotherapy because this zone has a blood supply. However, tears in the inner (white zone), complex tears, bucket-handle tears causing locking, and tears associated with persistent pain or mechanical symptoms typically require arthroscopic surgery. The decision depends on the tear pattern, location, your symptoms, and your activity level.
Is meniscus repair better than meniscus removal?
Yes, whenever possible. Meniscus repair preserves the shock-absorbing and load-distributing function of the meniscus, which protects the articular cartilage and significantly reduces the risk of developing arthritis in the long term. However, not all tears can be repaired. Tears in the avascular inner zone, degenerative tears, and complex unrepairable patterns may require partial meniscectomy (removal of only the damaged portion). Dr. Vishnu repairs every repairable tear.
How long does recovery take after knee arthroscopy?
Recovery depends on the procedure performed. After a simple partial meniscectomy, most patients walk without support within a few days and return to full activity in 2 to 4 weeks. Meniscus repair requires protected weight-bearing for 4 to 6 weeks to allow the repair to heal, with full activity by 3 to 4 months. Cartilage procedures may require 3 to 6 months for complete recovery depending on the technique used.
Is arthroscopic knee surgery done as a day procedure?
Many arthroscopic knee procedures can be performed as day-care surgery, meaning you are admitted in the morning and discharged the same evening. Simple meniscectomy, loose body removal, and diagnostic arthroscopy are commonly done as day procedures. Meniscus repair and more extensive cartilage procedures may require an overnight stay for observation and pain management.
What knee conditions can be treated with arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy can treat meniscus tears (repair or partial removal), loose bodies (cartilage or bone fragments floating inside the joint), articular cartilage damage (microfracture, chondroplasty), synovitis (inflamed joint lining), plica syndrome, minor ligament debridement, and diagnostic evaluation when MRI findings are inconclusive. ACL reconstruction is also performed arthroscopically but is a more extensive procedure.
ACL Reconstruction Surgery at Aster MIMS
Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with anatomical tunnel placement. Three graft options tailored to your sport, anatomy, and recovery goals.
ACL Recovery: Month-by-Month Guide
From protecting the graft in Month 1 through returning to competitive sport at 9 to 12 months. A real timeline from a PGI-trained surgeon.