Knee Arthroscopy (Keyhole Surgery)

What is knee arthroscopy and meniscal surgery?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is performed to visualise, diagnose and treat a variety of knee conditions.

Meniscal surgery is the most common procedure performed during the knee arthroscopy to repair or debride a torn meniscus. The meniscus is a special cartilage of the inside of the knee that can be torn causing catching and pain.

Knee arthroscopy can also be used for a variety of other reasons:

Diagnose arthritis or inflammatory arthritis
Washout an infected joint
Removal of a loose body
Repair or assessment of cartilage lesion
Assessment of ACL tear
Biopsy or take a sample of the knee

How is a knee arthroscopy performed?

Knee arthroscopy is typically performed under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the knee, and a camera and surgical instruments are inserted through the incision to visualise and treat the knee joint. The meniscal tear is then repaired using special stitches or stitch devices or is debrided back to a stable base.

Most commonly, following knee arthroscopy and meniscal debridement, you can bear full weight through the leg with no restrictions. However, if there has been a substantial meniscal repair, Dr Eardley-Harris will discuss with you any restrictions on your knee. This may include a period of non-weight bearing, bracing, or restriction with movement.

Meet Nathan

Adult & Paediatric Hip and Knee Surgeon

Dr Nathan Eardley-Harris has experience in providing care for patients throughout the entire spectrum of life

As an Australian-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon based in Adelaide, South Australia specialising in hip and knee surgery covering very young children to the elderly and everyone in-between, Nathan offers personalised care to help patients find the best outcomes in every unique condition.

He has subspecialty, post-fellowship training in hip preservation surgery and joint replacement, including robotic & technology-assisted surgery across all approaches, including the direct anterior approach. Through compassion, communication, collaboration & competence, Nathan aims to build patient-surgeon trust, helping you understand your condition and the options available to empower you to make better treatment decisions toward your personal recovery goals. With stronger, better-informed patient-surgeon relationships, evidence-based surgical techniques and the latest assistive technology, Nathan aims to provide patients with the best possible care.

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Diagnosis and Management Plan

Dr Eardley-Harris will formulate a diagnosis and personalised management plan for your situation.

A joint decision between you and Dr Eardley-Harris has been made to proceed with surgery after discussion of the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Personalised Planning

Preparing for Surgery

Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions to prepare. This includes blood tests, ECGs, and further imaging. You may be asked to stop certain medications around the time of your surgery and will be told when you need to stop eating or drinking.
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You may need special equipment to prepare your home for your return.

Surgery

Dr Eardley-Harris and his team will greet you on the day of surgery, and answer any further questions you have about the surgery and your recovery.

After Surgery

Follow-up

Following surgery, Dr Eardley-Harris usually keeps a close eye on your recovery with follow-up visits at 2 and 6 weeks, followed by an ongoing review to make sure you are meeting your goals.

Rehabilitation

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Decision for Surgery

Together we have made the decision that surgery is the best pathway forward. Our team will discuss with you the timing and the location of your surgery, including the expected length of stay in hospital.

Personalised Surgical Planning

Dr Eardley-Harris will sit down and plan your specific surgery to best achieve your goals. This may involve further tests needed for the planning, as well as any unique circumstances to your condition or injury.

Preparation

Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions to be ready for the operation. This may include certain tests, medication management, and pre-surgery & aftercare information.

Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, Dr Eardley-Harris will visit you in the pre-operative room, and answer any other questions that you have, and ensure that you are ready for your procedure. During your surgery, our team will ensure you are comfortable and well-informed.

Recovery

Following surgery you will enter the recovery room, with specialised nursing care. Here, you and your family will be informed of the findings, allowing you to be confident in the outcome. You will follow your pre-planned aftercare procedures to allow your body to recover.

Questions

Choosing surgery is a significant decision that often involves careful consideration of various factors. If you have any questions throughout your process, feel free to ask Dr Eardley-Harris' team for further clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I drive after a knee arthroscopy?

Your ability to drive will depend on the side of your operation, the type of vehicle you drive and what type of pain relief you are taking. Dr Eardley-Harris will discuss this with you at your first post-operative appointment but on average the usual recommendation is not to drive for 2-4 weeks.

When can I return to work following knee arthroscopy?

Time off work can vary depending on your occupation and the actual procedure undertaken. In general you should take 1-2 weeks off following surgery.

Knee Arthroscopy (Keyhole Surgery)

What is knee arthroscopy and meniscal surgery?

How is a knee arthroscopy performed?

Meet Nathan

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Comprehensive Surgical Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Let's discuss your personalised treatment plan