At a glance
Knee arthroscopy is a procedure in which a surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera into the knee joint to examine, and often repair, structures inside the joint without opening it fully.
The surgeon makes two or three small cuts around the knee, each about the size of a buttonhole. A narrow instrument called an arthroscope is passed through one cut, sending live video to a screen in the operating room. If a problem is found, thin surgical tools are passed through the other cuts to fix it, all while the joint is gently filled with sterile fluid to keep the view clear.
Medical Condition
Knee arthroscopy is used when pain, swelling, or loss of movement in the knee cannot be fully explained by scans alone, or when a known problem needs surgical repair through a minimally invasive route.
- Torn meniscus (the crescent-shaped cartilage pads between the thigh bone and shin bone) causing pain, locking, or giving way
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, the ligament at the centre of the knee that stabilises it during movement
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury
- Damaged articular cartilage (the smooth coating on the ends of bones) causing friction and pain
- Loose bodies, small fragments of bone or cartilage floating inside the joint
- Inflamed or thickened synovium (the membrane lining the joint) not responding to other treatments
- Patella (kneecap) that repeatedly slips out of position
- Unexplained chronic knee pain after non-surgical treatment has not helped
Arthroscopy is generally not suitable when the knee joint is severely affected by advanced osteoarthritis (widespread wearing away of cartilage), because the procedure can improve specific structural problems but cannot reverse widespread joint degeneration. Patients with serious clotting disorders, active infections around the knee, or very poor general health may also be advised to explore other options first.
- Advanced osteoarthritis where joint replacement would address the problem more effectively
- Active skin or joint infection near the knee
- Bleeding or clotting conditions that make surgery high-risk without special preparation
- Medical conditions that make general or regional anaesthesia unsafe
Risks & Complications
Knee arthroscopy is considered a low-risk procedure, but like any surgery it carries some recognised complications.
- Temporary swelling and stiffness in the knee, which is very common in the first few weeks
- Pain around the small incision sites
- Infection inside the joint (septic arthritis) or at the skin cuts, though this is uncommon
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot forming in the leg veins, particularly in patients who move little after surgery
- Damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels, which can cause numbness or bruising around the knee
- Excessive bleeding inside the joint (haemarthrosis)
- Anaesthetic reactions, including nausea or, rarely, allergic responses
- Need for a second procedure if the repair does not heal as expected
Preparation & Procedure
Before surgery, the medical team reviews your health in detail. Blood tests, an EKG (a recording of the heart's electrical activity), and chest X-rays are commonly requested. Your doctor may also order an MRI of the knee to map the damage before entering the joint.
Most patients are asked to stop eating solid food at least six hours before the procedure, and to drink only clear fluids up to two hours before. Alcohol should be avoided for at least 24 hours beforehand. Smoking slows healing inside the joint, and most surgical teams ask patients to stop smoking for several weeks before and after.
Certain medications are usually paused before surgery. Blood thinners, anti-inflammatory tablets, and some herbal supplements can increase bleeding risk. Tell the surgical team about every tablet, injection, or supplement you take, because the team will decide what to pause and for how long.
On the day, the procedure generally follows these steps:
- You change into a hospital gown and a nurse checks your vital signs and confirms your identity and consent
- An anaesthetist (a doctor who manages pain and consciousness during surgery) places a cannula (a small plastic tube) in your hand or arm to deliver fluids and medication
- Anaesthesia is given, either general (you are fully asleep) or spinal/regional (the lower body is numbed), depending on your health and your surgeon's preference
- The leg is positioned and secured, and the skin around the knee is cleaned and draped with sterile covers
- The surgeon makes the small incisions and inserts the arthroscope, filling the joint with sterile fluid
- The joint is inspected on screen, and any repairs such as trimming or reattaching torn tissue are carried out through the other incisions
- The fluid is drained, instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed with one or two stitches or adhesive strips
- A bandage and sometimes a soft brace are applied, and you are moved to a recovery room
Aftercare
Most patients go home on the same day or the morning after the procedure, once the anaesthetic has worn off and the team is satisfied with their vital signs and pain level. Recovery length depends on what was done inside the joint: a simple clean-up takes less time than a ligament reconstruction.
- Keep the leg elevated above heart level for the first day or two to reduce swelling
- Apply ice wrapped in a cloth to the knee for short periods as directed, never directly on skin
- Keep the wound sites dry until the stitches or strips are removed, usually within one to two weeks
- Use crutches for as long as the surgical team recommends, which may be a day for minor procedures or several weeks after ligament repair
- Attend all physiotherapy (physical rehabilitation) sessions, as guided exercise is what restores strength and range of motion
- Blood thinners may be prescribed for a short period to reduce the risk of clots, especially if you are flying home
- Avoid driving until you can bend and straighten the knee without pain and the team confirms it is safe
- Return to sport or heavy physical work only when your surgeon and physiotherapist confirm the joint is ready, which varies from weeks to months depending on the repair
- Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled so the surgeon can check healing, review any imaging, and clear you for the next stage of activity
Cost & What Determines It
The price of knee arthroscopy varies widely because it covers a spectrum of procedures, from a simple joint wash-out to a full ligament reconstruction with an implant, each requiring different operating time, implants, and aftercare resources.
- Complexity of the repair: trimming a torn meniscus costs less than reconstructing an ACL with a graft
- Whether implants or fixation devices (screws, anchors, or synthetic grafts) are used, as these add significant material costs
- Hospital class and the country where it is performed, since facility fees, staff costs, and overhead differ substantially across healthcare systems
- Type of anaesthesia used and the anaesthetist's fees
- Length of hospital stay, especially if complications extend recovery beyond a day-case admission
- Post-operative imaging such as MRI scans to check the repair
- Physiotherapy sessions, which may run for several weeks or months after ligament work
- Medications required during and after the procedure, including blood thinners or pain management drugs
A hospital package typically covers the operating room, the surgical and anaesthesia team fees, standard implants (if used), the hospital stay, and basic post-operative nursing. Items commonly billed separately include advanced physiotherapy, follow-up consultations beyond the first visit, take-home medications, and any additional imaging ordered during recovery.
BPJS Kesehatan and most Indonesian private insurance plans do not reimburse treatment carried out abroad, so patients travelling for this procedure usually pay out of pocket or through international private health insurance. Before booking any travel, ask the hospital for a written cost estimate that breaks down what is and is not included. This estimate is the most reliable way to budget accurately and avoid unexpected bills on arrival or at discharge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does knee arthroscopy take?
Most knee arthroscopy procedures take between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on what the surgeon finds and repairs inside the joint. A purely diagnostic look around the knee is usually quicker, while repairing torn cartilage or ligaments takes longer. Your surgeon will give you a more specific estimate once they have reviewed your scans and symptoms.
How much does knee arthroscopy cost?
The cost varies based on several factors specific to this procedure, including whether it is diagnostic only or involves repairs such as cartilage trimming or ligament work, the length of your hospital stay, and the class of facility you choose. Implants or fixation devices used during repair also affect the final figure. Requesting a written itemised estimate from the hospital is the most reliable way to understand what you would actually pay.
What type of anaesthesia is used, and will it be painful?
Knee arthroscopy is usually performed under spinal anaesthesia (medication injected into the lower back to numb everything below the waist) or general anaesthesia (where you are fully asleep), so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Afterwards, the knee will feel sore and swollen for several days, and doctors typically prescribe pain relief to keep you comfortable. Most patients find the discomfort manageable within the first week.
When can I go back to work and normal activity after knee arthroscopy?
Most people return to a desk job within one to two weeks, while physical work or sport usually requires six weeks or more depending on what was repaired. If the surgery only involved a diagnostic look or minor trimming, recovery tends to be faster than after ligament reconstruction. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will guide you through a step-by-step return-to-activity plan based on how your knee heals.
This page is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. Every case is different. Your doctor decides what is right for you.
