Knee Arthroscopy in Chennai | Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery & Sports Injury Treatment

Understanding Knee Arthroscopy

What Does Knee Arthroscopy Include?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to examine and treat certain conditions affecting the knee joint. During the procedure, a small camera called an arthroscope is inserted through a small incision to allow the surgeon to view the structures inside the knee.

Depending on the condition, specialized instruments may be used through additional small incisions to treat the affected tissues.

Knee arthroscopy may involve:

Evaluation of the structures inside the knee
Treatment of selected meniscus tears
Treatment of certain cartilage injuries
Removal of loose fragments within the joint
Treatment of selected ligament-related injuries
Management of certain causes of knee locking or catching
Treatment of selected sports-related knee injuries
Assessment and treatment of specific joint problems

A clinical examination, medical history, and appropriate imaging may be used to determine whether arthroscopy is suitable for the individual patient.

Conditions We Treat

Conditions Treated With Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy may be considered for selected conditions affecting the internal structures of the knee.

01

Meniscus Tears

The meniscus helps cushion and stabilize the knee. Certain meniscus tears may be treated using arthroscopic techniques depending on the location, type, size, and severity of the tear.

02

ACL Injuries

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays an important role in knee stability. Selected ACL injuries, particularly in active individuals with persistent instability, may require surgical treatment.

03

Cartilage Injuries

Damage to the cartilage inside the knee may cause pain, swelling, catching, or difficulty with movement. Treatment depends on the location and extent of the cartilage damage.

04

Loose Bodies in the Knee

Small fragments of cartilage or bone within the knee joint may sometimes cause catching, locking, pain, or restricted movement. Arthroscopy may be used to remove selected loose bodies.

05

Knee Locking & Catching

Mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching can sometimes be associated with meniscus injuries, loose bodies, or other internal knee problems.

06

Sports-Related Knee Injuries

Sports and physical activities can result in injuries involving the meniscus, ligaments, cartilage, and other structures within the knee.

07

Synovial Problems

Certain conditions affecting the synovial tissue lining the knee may require arthroscopic evaluation or treatment when clinically appropriate.

08

Internal Knee Joint Problems

Various internal knee conditions may cause persistent pain, swelling, stiffness, or restricted movement. Arthroscopy may be considered for selected problems after appropriate evaluation.

Symptoms

Symptoms That May Require Knee Evaluation

Knee conditions that may require specialist evaluation can present with different symptoms. Common symptoms include:

Persistent Knee Pain

Ongoing knee pain during activity, movement, or rest.

Knee Swelling

Swelling around the knee that may occur after injury or activity.

Recurrent Swelling

Repeated swelling of the knee following physical activity.

Difficulty Bending or Straightening

Difficulty moving the knee through its normal range.

Knee Locking

A sensation that the knee becomes stuck during movement.

Catching or Clicking

Clicking, catching, or mechanical sensations within the knee.

Knee Instability

A feeling of instability or the knee giving way.

Pain During Sports

Knee pain during sports or other physical activities.

Difficulty Squatting

Pain or restricted movement while squatting.

Reduced Range of Motion

Difficulty moving the knee through its normal range.

Pain After Sports Injury

Persistent knee pain following a sports-related injury.

Difficulty With Daily Activities

Knee symptoms that interfere with everyday activities.

Persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by an Orthopaedic specialist to determine the underlying cause and whether arthroscopic treatment may be appropriate.

Treatment & Procedure Options

The appropriate treatment depends on the diagnosis, severity of the condition, age, activity level, general health, and individual treatment goals.

Conservative Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatment

Not every knee condition requires surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may initially include:

Activity modification
Physiotherapy
Strengthening and mobility exercises
Pain-management medication
Rehabilitation
Bracing or other supportive measures
Injections in selected patients

If symptoms persist despite appropriate non-surgical treatment, surgical options may be considered for selected conditions.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is performed through small incisions around the knee. A small camera is inserted into the joint to provide a clear view of the internal structures.

Specialized instruments may then be used to treat the identified problem.

Depending on the condition, arthroscopic procedures may include:

Meniscus repair or treatment of selected meniscus tears
Removal of loose bodies
Treatment of selected cartilage problems
ACL reconstruction
Treatment of other selected internal knee conditions

Meniscus Care

Meniscus Treatment

Meniscus treatment depends on factors such as the location, type, size, and extent of the tear, as well as the patient's age, activity level, and symptoms.

When appropriate, arthroscopic techniques may be used to repair or treat the damaged meniscus.

Ligament Treatment

ACL Reconstruction

For selected patients with ACL injuries and persistent knee instability, ACL reconstruction may be considered.

The procedure involves reconstructing the damaged ligament using a suitable graft, followed by a structured rehabilitation program.

Cartilage Care

Cartilage Treatment

Cartilage injuries vary in their location and severity. Treatment may range from rehabilitation and activity modification to selected arthroscopic procedures.

The appropriate approach depends on the extent of cartilage damage and the patient's symptoms and functional requirements.

Sports Medicine

Sports Injury Treatment

Athletes and active individuals may sustain injuries involving the meniscus, ACL, cartilage, or other knee structures.

Treatment is planned according to the injury, knee stability, activity level, and the individual's requirements for returning to physical activity or sport.

Education & Fellowships

Education & Advanced Fellowship Training

Dr. Balachandar has undertaken formal medical education and advanced fellowship training in specialized areas of orthopaedic surgery.

Academic Qualifications

MBBS
Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences
MS Orthopaedics
Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute

Advanced Fellowships

FIJR – Fellowship in Joint Replacement Surgery
Fortis Hospital, Bangalore
FIAA – Fellowship in Advanced Arthroplasty
Zuyderland Medical Centre, Netherlands
FASM – Fellowship in Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine
ASST Pini–CTO, Italy

His fellowship training has provided advanced exposure to joint replacement surgery, arthroplasty, arthroscopy, and sports medicine.

Why Choose Dr. Balachandar?

Personalized Knee Arthroscopy Care

Knee arthroscopy requires careful assessment of the underlying problem to determine whether surgery is appropriate.

Dr. Balachandar evaluates each patient based on their symptoms, clinical findings, imaging, activity level, and treatment goals before recommending an appropriate treatment approach.

Comprehensive knee evaluation
Individualized treatment planning
Arthroscopy and sports injury management
Meniscus and cartilage treatment
ACL injury evaluation and reconstruction
Rehabilitation and recovery guidance

Patient Experience

Patient Review

Add a genuine verified patient review here.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Recovery & Rehabilitation After Knee Arthroscopy

Recovery after knee arthroscopy depends on the type of procedure performed, the condition being treated, and the individual's overall health and rehabilitation progress.

01

Reduce Swelling & Discomfort

Early recovery may focus on managing swelling and discomfort according to the treating team's recommendations.

02

Restore Knee Movement

Rehabilitation may include exercises designed to gradually restore knee movement.

03

Improve Muscle Strength

Progressive strengthening exercises can help restore supporting muscle function.

04

Improve Balance & Stability

Rehabilitation may include balance and stability exercises depending on the procedure.

05

Gradually Increase Activity

Weight-bearing and activity are generally increased progressively according to the procedure and recovery.

06

Return to Sports

Exercise and sports can be resumed progressively when appropriate and according to medical and rehabilitation guidance.

The rehabilitation program may vary depending on whether the procedure involves the meniscus, ACL, cartilage, or another structure within the knee.

The timeline for returning to work, exercise, and sports varies between individuals and should be guided by the treating Orthopaedic team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Knee Arthroscopy FAQs

1. What is knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small camera and specialized instruments are introduced into the knee joint through small incisions to diagnose and treat selected knee conditions.

2. What conditions can be treated with knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy may be used for selected meniscus tears, certain cartilage problems, loose bodies, ACL injuries, and other conditions affecting structures within the knee.

3. Is knee arthroscopy suitable for everyone?

No. Arthroscopy is not appropriate for every knee condition. Your Orthopaedic specialist will evaluate your symptoms, examination findings, imaging, and overall condition to determine whether it is suitable.

4. Can a meniscus tear be treated with arthroscopy?

Certain meniscus tears may be treated using arthroscopic techniques. Depending on the tear, treatment may involve repair or removal of the damaged portion.

5. How long does recovery after knee arthroscopy take?

Recovery varies depending on the condition treated and the type of procedure performed. Some patients may return to normal activities relatively quickly, while procedures such as ACL reconstruction or certain meniscus repairs require a longer rehabilitation period.

6. Can I return to sports after knee arthroscopy?

Many patients can return to sports after appropriate treatment and rehabilitation. The timing depends on the injury, procedure performed, recovery progress, and the demands of the sport.

7. Is knee arthroscopy better than non-surgical treatment?

The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying knee condition. Many knee problems can initially be managed without surgery, while selected conditions may require arthroscopic treatment.

8. Will I need physiotherapy after knee arthroscopy?

Physiotherapy and rehabilitation are commonly an important part of recovery after knee arthroscopy. The specific rehabilitation program depends on the procedure performed and the individual's recovery needs.

Get the Right Care for Your Knee

Knee Arthroscopy Evaluation in Chennai

If you have persistent knee pain, locking, swelling, instability, or a sports-related knee injury, a specialist evaluation can help identify the underlying problem and determine the appropriate treatment.

Consult Dr. Balachandar M for Knee Pain, Sports Injuries & Arthroscopy Evaluation.

Dr. Balachandar M Orthopaedic Surgeon & Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement Specialist Associate Consultant – Orthopaedics, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai Consultation at Jaya Speciality Clinic, West Mambalam, Chennai

Book an Appointment Call Now WhatsApp

Appointments

Book Your Orthopaedic Consultation

Discuss your symptoms and treatment options with Dr. Balachandar M.

Call 94450 32227 WhatsApp

Knee Arthroscopy in Chennai Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery & Sports Injury Treatment