Knee arthroscopy and stiffness
Synovectomy, removal of loose bodies, arthrolysis for arthrofibrosis and arthroscopic treatment of selected fractures.
- What it is
- Arthroscopy lets the surgeon see inside the knee through a camera a few millimetres wide and treat the problem with fine instruments. Beyond ligaments and menisci, it is used to treat inflammation of the synovial lining, remove loose fragments and release adhesions that limit motion.
- When it is indicated
- It is indicated for synovitis that does not respond to medical treatment, loose bodies that cause locking, postoperative or post-traumatic stiffness (arthrofibrosis) and some intra-articular fractures that can be reduced and fixed with arthroscopic assistance.
- How it is performed
- Under anaesthesia, usually as day surgery, synovectomy, removal of loose bodies or release of adhesions is performed through two or three portals, depending on the case.
- Recovery
- Early motion, from the same day in arthrofibrosis, with intensive physiotherapy to keep the range of motion gained. Weight bearing is allowed according to the procedure performed.
- Procedures the doctor performs
- Arthroscopic synovectomy
- Removal of intra-articular loose bodies
- Arthrolysis and treatment of arthrofibrosis
- Arthroscopic treatment of selected fractures
Other procedures
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Meniscal injuries
- Posterior cruciate ligament and multiligament injuries
- Patellar dislocation and instability
- Cartilage and osteochondral injuries
- Corrective osteotomies and joint preservation
- Knee replacement
This content is general information. It does not replace a medical assessment: every case is evaluated in consultation with physical examination and imaging.