Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive operation in which a camera and fine instruments are introduced into the joint through two or three incisions of about five millimetres. It allows the interior of the knee to be inspected directly and most intra-articular problems to be treated in the same sitting.
The commonest indications are a meniscal tear, treated either by repair with sutures or by a limited trimming of the torn fragment; reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament using a hamstring, patellar tendon or quadriceps graft; cartilage lesions, managed by debridement, microfracture or modern cartilage restoration techniques; removal of loose bodies; and synovectomy in inflammatory conditions. Arthroscopy is not a treatment for established osteoarthritis, and washout of an arthritic knee has been shown to be of no lasting benefit.
The operation is carried out under spinal or general anaesthesia, usually as a day case. Saline distends the joint, the camera is introduced through an anterolateral portal and the entire joint is inspected systematically. Instruments passed through a second portal perform the repair. Skin incisions are closed with a single suture or adhesive strips. Most arthroscopies last thirty to sixty minutes; ligament reconstruction takes longer.
After a simple meniscal debridement, patients walk immediately, discard crutches within a few days and return to desk work within one to two weeks; sport follows at four to six weeks. After a meniscal repair, weight-bearing and deep flexion are restricted for four to six weeks to protect the sutures, and return to sport takes four to six months. After ACL reconstruction, rehabilitation is structured over six to nine months before pivoting sport is permitted. Swelling that fluctuates for several weeks is expected and is not a sign that something is wrong.
Knee arthroscopy is a safe procedure, but no operation is without risk. Infection, haemarthrosis, deep vein thrombosis, persistent effusion, stiffness and injury to a cutaneous nerve branch around the portals are all recognised, and each is uncommon. Risk is reduced by careful patient selection, thromboprophylaxis where indicated and structured rehabilitation.
The cost of knee arthroscopy in Greece depends on what is actually done — a diagnostic arthroscopy, a meniscal repair with implants, or a ligament reconstruction with graft fixation devices all differ — as well as on the hospital, anaesthesia, whether an overnight stay is needed, and the patient’s insurance cover. An accurate estimate can only be given once the MRI has been reviewed. Contact the practice to arrange an assessment.
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