Knee Arthroscopy
What is knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to examine and treat problems inside the knee joint. A small camera, called an arthroscope, is introduced through a tiny incision around the knee. The surgeon can inspect the meniscus, ACL, PCL, cartilage, synovium and other structures and treat the problem through additional small portals.
Conditions treated
Knee arthroscopy may be recommended for:
- ACL injuries
- PCL injuries
- Meniscus tears
- Cartilage injuries
- Osteochondral defects
- Patellar instability
- Loose bodies within the knee
- Synovial disorders
- Selected cases of knee infection
- Sports-related knee injuries
- Certain causes of persistent knee pain, locking or instability
ACL reconstruction
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is an important stabilising ligament of the knee. An ACL tear may cause instability, particularly during running, pivoting and sports. Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction replaces the torn ligament with a tendon graft to restore knee stability.
Treatment may involve:
- Hamstring graft
- Patellar tendon graft
- Quadriceps tendon graft
- Other graft options depending on the individual patient
Associated meniscus or cartilage injuries can often be treated during the same procedure.
Meniscus repair
The menisci are two important shock-absorbing structures between the thigh bone and shin bone. Depending on the location and type of tear, the meniscus may be repaired rather than removed.
Meniscus preservation is preferred whenever the tear has a reasonable chance of healing, because preserving meniscal tissue can help maintain normal knee function and potentially reduce the risk of future joint degeneration.
Meniscus surgery
Some meniscal tears cannot be repaired because of their location, chronicity, tissue quality or pattern. In selected cases, partial meniscectomy may be performed, removing only the unstable damaged portion while preserving as much healthy meniscus as possible.
PCL reconstruction
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) helps prevent excessive backward movement of the shin bone. Significant PCL injuries, particularly those associated with persistent instability or other ligament injuries, may require reconstruction.
Cartilage restoration
Damage to the articular cartilage can cause pain, swelling and mechanical symptoms. Depending on the size, location and severity of the defect, treatment may include:
- Chondroplasty
- Microfracture in selected cases
- Osteochondral procedures
- Osteochondral autograft transplantation (OATS) in suitable patients
- Other cartilage restoration techniques
Patellar instability surgery
Repeated kneecap dislocation or instability can result from ligament injury, bone alignment abnormalities or other anatomical factors. Selected patients may benefit from arthroscopic and/or reconstructive stabilisation procedures, including MPFL reconstruction when indicated.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
What is shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat problems affecting the shoulder joint and surrounding structures. A small camera is introduced through tiny incisions around the shoulder, allowing detailed assessment of the rotator cuff, labrum, biceps tendon, cartilage, joint lining and other structures.
Conditions treated
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder impingement
- Shoulder instability
- Recurrent shoulder dislocation
- Bankart tears
- SLAP tears
- Biceps tendon disorders
- Frozen shoulder
- Calcific tendinitis
- Labral injuries
- Certain cartilage injuries
- Selected shoulder infections
- Other sports-related shoulder injuries
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
The rotator cuff is a group of tendons responsible for shoulder movement and stability. A torn rotator cuff may cause shoulder pain, night pain, weakness, difficulty lifting the arm and difficulty performing overhead activities. When surgery is appropriate, the torn tendon can be repaired arthroscopically using specialised anchors and sutures.
Arthroscopic Bankart repair
A Bankart tear is an injury to the labrum associated with shoulder dislocation or instability. Arthroscopic Bankart repair aims to restore the damaged labrum and tighten the capsule to improve shoulder stability. In selected patients with significant bone loss or high risk of recurrence, additional procedures such as remplissage or bone-block procedures may be considered.
Shoulder instability surgery
Patients with recurrent shoulder dislocation or instability may require surgical stabilisation. Treatment depends on the number of dislocations, patient age, sporting activity, bone loss, labral injury, previous surgery and overall shoulder anatomy. Arthroscopic stabilisation may be appropriate for selected patients.
SLAP repair
A SLAP tear affects the upper part of the shoulder labrum and may occur following sports injuries, falls or repetitive overhead activity. Treatment depends on the patient's age, symptoms, activity level and associated pathology. Options may include rehabilitation, arthroscopic repair or treatment of the biceps-labral complex.
Biceps tendon procedures
The long head of the biceps tendon can be a source of persistent shoulder pain. When appropriate, arthroscopic procedures such as biceps tenodesis or tenotomy may be performed, often in combination with treatment of other shoulder problems.
Frozen shoulder release
Frozen shoulder causes progressive pain and restriction of shoulder movement. Most patients initially improve with non-operative treatment, physiotherapy and appropriate medications. For selected patients who do not improve adequately, arthroscopic capsular release may help restore movement.
Calcific tendinitis
Calcium deposits can develop within the rotator cuff tendons and cause significant shoulder pain. Treatment may include medication, physiotherapy, activity modification, image-guided procedures, shockwave therapy in selected cases, and arthroscopic removal of calcium deposits in persistent cases.
Sports Injury Treatment
Sports injuries can affect athletes as well as people participating in recreational activities. Common sports injuries include:
Knee
- ACL tear
- PCL injury
- Meniscus tear
- MCL / LCL injury
- Patellar instability
- Cartilage injury
- Osteochondral injury
- Sports-related knee pain
Shoulder
- Shoulder dislocation
- Recurrent instability
- Rotator cuff tear
- Labral tear
- SLAP injury
- AC joint injury
- Biceps tendon injury
- Overuse injuries
Treatment is individualised according to the patient's age, activity level, sport, injury pattern and functional requirements.
Diagnosis of sports injuries
A detailed clinical examination is the first step in evaluating a sports injury. Depending on the suspected injury, investigations may include X-rays, MRI, CT scan in selected cases, ultrasound and other specialised investigations. The goal is to identify the exact injury and determine whether non-operative treatment or surgery is appropriate.
Non-surgical treatment
Not every sports injury requires surgery. Depending on the injury, treatment may include:
- Activity modification
- Rest and protection
- Medication
- Physiotherapy
- Muscle strengthening
- Range-of-motion exercises
- Bracing
- Sports-specific rehabilitation
- Gradual return-to-sport programme
Surgery is considered when symptoms persist despite appropriate conservative treatment, or when the nature of the injury makes reconstruction or repair necessary.
Rehabilitation After Arthroscopy
Successful arthroscopic surgery is only one part of recovery. A structured rehabilitation programme is essential to restore joint movement, muscle strength, balance and proprioception, joint stability, coordination and sport-specific performance.
The rehabilitation programme depends on the procedure performed — rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair and rotator cuff repair follows different timelines and precautions. Patients should follow the prescribed physiotherapy programme and avoid returning to sports before adequate healing, strength and functional recovery.
Return to sports
Before returning to competitive or high-risk sports, patients may need to demonstrate adequate range of motion, good muscle strength, good balance and proprioception, appropriate movement mechanics, sport-specific fitness, psychological readiness and satisfactory functional testing. A gradual return-to-sport programme helps reduce the risk of reinjury.
Why Choose Specialist Arthroscopy Care?
Successful sports injury treatment requires more than surgery. It requires accurate diagnosis, appropriate procedure selection, meticulous surgical technique and structured rehabilitation. Treatment is planned with the aim of:
- Preserving normal joint structures whenever possible
- Restoring stability and function
- Minimising unnecessary tissue damage
- Promoting safe rehabilitation
- Helping patients return to their desired activities and sports
Persistent joint pain, swelling, locking, instability or recurrent dislocation should not be ignored. If you have sustained a sports injury or are experiencing persistent knee or shoulder symptoms, a specialist evaluation can help determine the cause and the most appropriate treatment — whether surgical or non-surgical.
