Knee Arthroscopy

Anatomy of the Knee

The knee is the biggest hinge joint in the body. It is responsible for weight-bearing, balance, and movement.

It is composed of ligaments, soft tissues, and three major bones, including the lower end of the femur (thigh bone), the upper end of the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (kneecap).

In addition to these structures, the knee joint is composed of the following:

• Articular Cartilage – This is a smooth, white tissue that lines the bones in the knee joint and serves as a cushion to prevent them from rubbing against each other.
• Meniscus – This is a C-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the femur and tibia of the knee joint and stabilises the joint.
• Synovium – This is a thin layer of tissue lining the inside of the knee joint that releases synovial fluid, which lubricates the cartilage to reduce friction during movement.
• Ligaments – These are strong bands of tissues that connect bones, typically providing support to maintain stability and hold structures together within the knee.

The knee joint is susceptible to various injuries, such as sprains, fractures, and dislocations, which can affect mobility and quality of life. Fortunately, severe injuries can be addressed with surgical intervention, such as knee arthroscopy, to help correct knee problems and restore function.

What Is Knee Arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat knee problems. The ACL surgeon inserts a thin, flexible instrument called an arthroscope and may also insert small surgical tools through small incisions. The arthroscope has a tiny camera that transmits images of the inside of your knee joint onto a monitor. This allows the surgeon to visualise the inside of the joint, investigate the source of pain or problem, and perform necessary repairs.

Typically, knee arthroscopy is recommended for individuals experiencing persistent knee pain, swelling, or instability that has not responded to conservative treatments, such as medications or physiotherapy.

The cost of knee arthroscopy in Singapore varies greatly depending on several factors. This includes the doctor's fee, hospital charges (public vs private), the condition being treated, anaesthesia, and the patient's own insurance coverage. Please call us at 8028 4572 for more details and a personalised estimate.

What Conditions Can Knee Arthroscopy Treat?

Knee arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat various knee conditions, including:

• ACL Tear/Injury – This refers to a partial or complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) caused by sudden twisting of the knee, direct impact, or abrupt changes in direction during activities.
• Torn Meniscus – This injury occurs when the knee is forcefully twisted or rotated while bearing weight, usually during sports or heavy lifting.
• Swollen Synovium (Synovitis) – This condition results from structural damage within the knee joint, such as in the articular cartilage, or from an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Bone Fragments – These are small pieces of cartilage or bone detached from the knee joint due to trauma, fractures, osteoarthritis, or other degenerative joint conditions.
• Patella Misalignment – This occurs when the kneecap (patella) fails to move properly within its groove at the end of the thigh bone (femur) during knee flexion and extension.
• Baker’s Cyst – Also known as a popliteal cyst, this condition is characterised by the buildup of a fluid-filled lump at the back of the knee due to an underlying condition such as arthritis or cartilage tear.

What Are the Benefits of Knee Arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy offers several benefits over traditional open surgery (arthrotomy), including:

• Smaller Incisions - Knee arthroscopy involves making two to three small incisions (usually the size of a buttonhole) either on the front or side of the kneecap, resulting in less trauma to the connective tissue and reduced postoperative pain.
• Rapid Recovery - The minimally invasive nature of arthroscopic knee surgery ensures a shorter recovery time, allowing patients to resume work and light activities within a few weeks after the procedure.
• Reduced Scarring - The small incisions made during knee arthroscopy result in minimal scarring and stiffness as the knee heals.
• Lower Infection Risk - In knee arthroscopy, the risk of infection at the surgical site is significantly low due to smaller incisions and reduced tissue damage.