Arthroscopy, reconstruction, and replacement are all surgical procedures performed by orthopaedic surgeons when conservative treatment hasn’t relieved knee pain.

A knee arthroscope is a minimally invasive procedure, often called keyhole surgery. It is usually performed under general anaesthetic.

Arthroscopy is used to:

• Trim, repair, or remove a damaged meniscus
• Address damaged cartilage surfaces
• Assess and manage other internal knee problems

This procedure involves only small incisions and generally has a quicker recovery time.

Knee reconstruction includes several procedures designed to repair or rebuild the supporting ligaments of the knee.

Common reconstruction procedures include:

• ACL Reconstruction:
  The most well-known reconstruction. It is performed arthroscopically with an additional incision to harvest a hamstring or patella tendon graft.
• MCL Repair:
  The ligament may be shortened and reattached to restore stability.
• Patella Ligament Repair:
  Used when recurrent kneecap subluxations (partial dislocations) occur.
• Lateral Release:
  Performed when tight structures on the outer knee cause the kneecap to track incorrectly.
• Tibial Tubercle Transfer (TTT):
  Rarely performed. The patella tendon attachment on the shin bone is moved medially to improve patella alignment and reduce chronic knee pain.

A total knee replacement also known as joint resurfacing, is a major surgical procedure. The damaged surfaces of the:

• Femur (thigh bone),
• Tibia (shin bone), and sometimes
• Patella (kneecap)

are replaced with metal and polyethylene components.

TKR is only recommended when all other treatments have failed to relieve knee pain.

Recovery:

• Patients can often walk within days
• Full recovery: up to 6 months
• At this stage, most people can walk, climb stairs, and perform daily activities
• Some are even able to kneel briefly and get up from the floor again

Physiotherapists play a key role before and after all knee surgeries. We help you:

• Decide whether you need to see a specialist
• Manage pain and improve function with exercise, taping, bracing, massage, and stretching
• Prepare your knee for surgery
• Recover safely and effectively afterwards