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. Walking and return to activity depend on the procedure; a repair may need a period of protection. Dr. Vishnu uses high-definition arthroscopy to preserve as much tissue as possible and protect your knee for the long term.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Vishnu Baburaj, MS Ortho (PGI Chandigarh), MRCS (UK) · Last updated July 2026
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.
Arthroscopy provides access through small incisions and can reduce the amount of surrounding tissue exposed. The recovery time depends on what is treated, especially whether a repair needs protection while it heals. Many procedures can be performed as day-care surgery, with the anaesthetic and discharge plan agreed after assessment.
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
Small incisions allow a camera and instruments to reach the joint while limiting exposure of surrounding tissues. Incision size alone does not determine recovery; a meniscus or cartilage repair may still need several months of rehabilitation.
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 preserve joint tissue where possible. This does not eliminate the risk of 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. A truly locked knee needs prompt assessment. Arthroscopy may remove the obstruction, but recovery of movement depends on the cause and any associated injury.
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
The team explains how much weight you may put through the leg and whether you need crutches or a brace. A meniscus repair or cartilage procedure may need protection while it heals. Exercises, swelling management and discharge are planned around the procedure and your progress.
Full recovery
Daily activities may return over weeks after a partial meniscectomy. Meniscus repair and cartilage procedures need a longer, protected rehabilitation period. Returning to running or pivoting sport is a separate decision based on healing, swelling, movement, strength and functional testing. Your surgeon and physiotherapist guide each stage.
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.
Request an appointmentNABH 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.
What does knee arthroscopy cost?
Quoted individually
The total depends on the implant or fixation used, room category, any associated procedures, and length of stay. You receive a written estimate before any decision is made.
Insurance & cashless
Most major insurers cover surgery at Aster MIMS Kannur. Cashless admission and pre-authorisation assistance are available; the insurance desk confirms your policy coverage before admission.
Get a written estimate
Send your reports on WhatsApp and receive a personalised estimate, with no obligation.
Request EstimateFrom the published literature
Dr. Vishnu's published research on this topic
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Radiological risk factors in patellar instability: a comparative analysis of single-episode, recurrent, and habitual patella dislocation
Dr. Vishnu's published analysis of the anatomy behind recurrent kneecap dislocation, one of the conditions treated arthroscopically.
30+ peer-reviewed publications · 450+ citations · H-index 13 · View all research
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. The small incisions allow access to the joint with less exposure of surrounding tissue. Recovery depends on the condition and the procedure performed, especially whether tissue has been repaired. Some knee problems still need an open operation.
Can a meniscus tear heal without surgery?
Many meniscus tears can be managed initially with activity changes and physiotherapy. The tear's location affects its healing potential, but an inner-zone or complex tear on MRI does not automatically mean surgery is needed. Treatment depends on symptoms, examination, the tear pattern and any arthritis. A truly locked knee needs prompt assessment; surgery may be discussed for a displaced tear or symptoms that persist despite appropriate non-operative care.
Is meniscus repair better than meniscus removal?
Preserving a suitable meniscus tear is an important aim because the meniscus helps distribute load and protect the knee. Whether repair is appropriate depends on the tear pattern, tissue quality, symptoms and any arthritis. Some tears can be managed without surgery; when surgery is needed, an unrepairable symptomatic fragment may be trimmed. Repair needs time to heal and does not guarantee protection from future arthritis.
How long does recovery take after knee arthroscopy?
Recovery depends on what was done. Daily activities may resume over weeks after a partial meniscectomy, while meniscus repair and cartilage procedures need longer rehabilitation and sometimes protected weight bearing. Everyday walking is different from running, jumping or pivoting sport. Clearance for demanding activity depends on healing, swelling, movement, strength and functional testing, rather than a fixed date.
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
Understand the stages of graft protection, rehabilitation and assessment before returning to sport. Timings depend on your recovery.