Knee Arthroscopy Surgery in Thane

1. Meniscus

The knee contains two C-shaped pieces of fibrocartilage called the medial and lateral menisci.

They help distribute weight, absorb shock and stabilise the joint.

Meniscus tears may occur due to twisting injuries or age-related degeneration.

2. Articular Cartilage

Articular cartilage covers the ends of the bones and allows smooth movement within the joint.

Cartilage damage may cause pain, swelling and restricted movement.

3. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

The ACL is a major ligament that helps control forward movement and rotation of the shin bone.

ACL injuries commonly occur during sports involving sudden direction changes, jumping or pivoting.

4. Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)

The PCL helps prevent excessive backward movement of the shin bone.

It may be injured during road accidents, falls or direct impact to the bent knee.

5. Collateral Ligaments

The medial and lateral collateral ligaments help stabilise the knee against sideways forces.

6. Synovial Membrane

The synovial membrane lines the knee joint and produces lubricating fluid.

Inflammation of this membrane may contribute to pain and swelling.

Understanding which structure is damaged helps the orthopaedic surgeon determine the most appropriate treatment.

1. Meniscus Tears

A meniscus tear may occur after twisting the knee during sports, exercise or daily activities.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain along the knee joint
• Swelling
• Clicking or catching sensations
• Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
• Occasional locking
• Discomfort during squatting or twisting movements

Some meniscus tears improve with physiotherapy and activity modification.

Surgery may be considered for selected traumatic tears, displaced tears causing mechanical blockage or persistent symptoms associated with a surgically treatable tear.

2. Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries

ACL tears often occur during activities involving sudden stops, pivoting or awkward landings.

Symptoms may include swelling, instability and a sensation that the knee is giving way.

Arthroscopy is commonly used as part of ACL reconstruction when surgery is appropriate.

However, not every ACL injury requires surgical reconstruction.

3. Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Injuries

PCL injuries may result from high-impact trauma, falls or sports accidents.

Many isolated PCL injuries can be managed non-surgically.

Selected severe or combined ligament injuries may require arthroscopically assisted reconstruction.

4. Loose Bodies Inside the Knee

Fragments of bone or cartilage may occasionally become loose inside the knee joint.

These fragments can cause catching, locking, swelling or restricted movement.

Arthroscopy may be used to remove symptomatic loose bodies.

5. Selected Articular Cartilage Injuries

Localised cartilage injuries may develop after trauma or repeated stress.

Some patients with appropriate focal cartilage defects may benefit from arthroscopic procedures.

The treatment depends on the size, depth and location of the damage.

6. Recurrent Knee Locking

True mechanical locking occurs when a physical obstruction prevents the knee from fully moving.

Displaced meniscus tears or loose bodies are possible causes.

A persistently locked knee requires prompt orthopaedic assessment.

7. Synovial Disorders

Inflammation or abnormal growth of the synovial lining can occasionally cause recurring knee swelling and discomfort.

Arthroscopic synovectomy or biopsy may be considered in selected cases.

8. Selected Patellar Problems

Certain structural problems affecting the kneecap may be treated using arthroscopic techniques, sometimes together with other procedures.

Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis and degree of instability or cartilage damage.

Step 1: Medical History and Symptom Assessment

Dr. Girish Dhanawat evaluates the patient's symptoms, previous injuries, physical activity, medical history and response to earlier treatments.

Step 2: Physical Examination

The orthopaedic examination may assess:

• Knee range of movement
• Swelling and tenderness
• Ligament stability
• Meniscus-related symptoms
• Walking pattern
• Muscle strength
• Joint alignment

Step 3: X-Ray Examination

X-rays help assess bone alignment, fractures and signs of osteoarthritis.

Although meniscus and ligament injuries are not usually directly visible on X-rays, the images help exclude other causes of knee pain.

Step 4: MRI Scan

MRI provides detailed images of the menisci, ligaments, cartilage and surrounding soft tissues.

It may be recommended when a significant internal knee injury is suspected and the results could influence treatment.

Step 5: Additional Investigations

Blood tests, joint fluid analysis or other investigations may be necessary when infection, inflammatory disease or another medical condition is suspected.

Step 6: Treatment Planning

The surgeon reviews clinical findings and imaging results before discussing physiotherapy, other non-operative treatments or surgical intervention.

1. Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair

Meniscus repair involves placing sutures or specialised fixation devices to help a suitable torn meniscus heal.

It may be recommended for selected tears where the tissue has a reasonable healing potential.

The main aim is to preserve meniscal tissue and its protective role in the knee.

Recovery usually requires a more cautious rehabilitation programme than simple meniscal trimming.

2. Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy

Partial meniscectomy involves removing only the unstable or irreparably damaged portion of the meniscus.

The surgeon aims to preserve as much healthy meniscal tissue as possible.

This procedure may be considered for selected symptomatic tears that cannot be repaired.

Routine partial meniscectomy is not recommended solely because a degenerative meniscus tear is visible on MRI.

3. Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction

ACL reconstruction involves replacing a torn ligament with a graft.

Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to visualise the joint and guide graft positioning.

Surgery may be considered for patients with ongoing instability, high-demand sporting requirements or associated knee injuries.

4. Arthroscopic PCL Reconstruction

PCL reconstruction may be recommended for selected severe injuries or persistent instability.

The procedure uses a graft to restore ligament function and requires structured rehabilitation.

5. Arthroscopic Loose Body Removal

Loose fragments of bone or cartilage may be removed using specialised instruments.

The procedure may help relieve mechanical catching or locking caused by the fragments.

6. Arthroscopic Cartilage Procedures

Selected focal cartilage defects may be treated using procedures such as debridement, microfracture or other cartilage restoration techniques.

The suitability and long-term benefits depend on the defect and patient characteristics.

7. Arthroscopic Synovectomy

Synovectomy involves removing selected areas of inflamed or abnormal synovial tissue.

It may be considered for certain synovial disorders when clinically indicated.

8. Arthroscopic Knee Joint Washout

Urgent arthroscopic irrigation and debridement may be used to manage certain cases of septic arthritis.

A suspected infected knee joint requires emergency hospital evaluation and timely treatment.

Smaller Surgical Incisions

The procedure generally uses small openings around the knee instead of a large incision.

Reduced Soft-Tissue Disruption

Arthroscopy usually causes less disruption to surrounding tissues compared with more extensive open procedures.

Detailed Joint Visualisation

The camera provides magnified images of the internal knee structures, helping the surgeon assess and treat specific problems.

Treatment of Selected Structural Injuries

Arthroscopy can be used to repair certain meniscus tears, reconstruct ligaments and remove symptomatic loose bodies.

Potentially Shorter Hospital Stay

Many uncomplicated arthroscopic procedures are performed on a day-care basis.

Rehabilitation According to the Procedure

Some patients can resume basic activities relatively quickly following minor arthroscopic treatment.

However, recovery after ligament reconstruction or meniscus repair may require several months.

Preservation of Healthy Joint Structures

Certain arthroscopic procedures aim to repair or preserve damaged tissue rather than remove it.

Step 1: Preoperative Evaluation

The patient undergoes clinical assessment and appropriate investigations.

The surgeon reviews the knee condition, surgical plan, medical history and possible risks.

Step 2: Anaesthesia

Depending on the procedure and patient's condition, local, regional or general anaesthesia may be used.

The anaesthesia team determines the most suitable approach.

Step 3: Surgical Preparation

The knee is cleaned using antiseptic solutions, and sterile drapes are placed around the operating area.

Step 4: Small Incisions

The surgeon makes small incisions, known as portals, around the knee.

These allow insertion of the arthroscope and specialised surgical instruments.

Step 5: Arthroscope Insertion

The arthroscope is inserted into the joint.

Sterile fluid is introduced to improve visibility, and images are displayed on a monitor.

Step 6: Examination of Knee Structures

The surgeon evaluates the meniscus, ligaments, cartilage, joint surfaces and other accessible structures.

Step 7: Surgical Treatment

Depending on the diagnosis, the surgeon may:

• Repair a meniscus tear
• Trim selected damaged meniscal tissue
• Remove loose fragments
• Perform ligament reconstruction
• Treat selected cartilage defects
• Remove abnormal synovial tissue

Not every procedure is appropriate for every patient.

Step 8: Instrument Removal and Closure

After completing the procedure, the instruments are removed.

The incisions are closed or covered with appropriate dressings.

Step 9: Postoperative Monitoring

The patient is monitored during recovery from anaesthesia.

Many patients undergoing uncomplicated arthroscopy can return home the same day.

Step 10: Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation focuses on restoring knee movement, improving strength and progressing safely towards normal activities.

The rehabilitation programme depends on the operation performed.

First 24–48 Hours

Patients may experience mild to moderate pain, swelling and stiffness.

Initial care may include:

• Rest and leg elevation
• Ice application as directed
• Prescribed medication
• Wound protection
• Crutches when necessary
• Gentle exercises when approved

First 1–2 Weeks

Following a minor arthroscopic procedure, swelling and discomfort may gradually improve.

Some patients can resume light daily activities during this period.

However, walking and weight-bearing restrictions depend on the exact procedure.

Weeks 3–6

Patients who have undergone uncomplicated meniscal trimming may continue progressing with walking, strengthening and daily activities.

Those who have undergone meniscus repair or ligament reconstruction may require more protective rehabilitation.

Weeks 6–12

Many patients following minor arthroscopic procedures experience substantial functional improvement during this period.

More extensive operations may still require restricted activities and supervised therapy.

Three to Six Months

Patients recovering from certain meniscus repairs and ligament procedures may gradually progress to more demanding exercises.

Return to sports depends on healing, strength and functional testing.

Six to Twelve Months

Return to pivoting or high-demand sports after ACL reconstruction frequently requires a longer rehabilitation period, often approximately 9–12 months or more.

A return-to-sport decision should be based on individual recovery, objective testing and surgeon clearance rather than time alone.

Recovery timelines are not interchangeable between procedures. Meniscus repair, ACL reconstruction and simple arthroscopic trimming require different rehabilitation protocols.

Type of Arthroscopic Procedure

Costs may differ between diagnostic arthroscopy, meniscus repair, partial meniscectomy and ACL reconstruction.

Surgical Complexity

Procedures requiring multiple repairs or complex reconstruction may involve additional costs.

Implant and Fixation Devices

Meniscus repair devices, ligament fixation implants and other specialised materials may contribute to the expense.

Hospital Facilities

Hospital category, operating theatre charges, room selection and duration of admission influence the total cost.

Imaging and Medical Investigations

MRI, X-rays, blood tests and preoperative medical assessment may be included in the treatment expenses.

Surgeon and Anaesthesia Charges

Professional fees depend on the planned operation and treatment setting.

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Postoperative rehabilitation, braces, medications and follow-up appointments may affect overall costs.

Insurance Coverage

Medically indicated arthroscopic procedures may be covered by health insurance, subject to waiting periods, exclusions, policy limits and approval requirements.

A personalised estimate should be provided after confirming the diagnosis and proposed procedure.

Patients should clarify whether the package includes implants, hospital charges, investigations, physiotherapy and follow-up care.

Orthopaedic and Knee Joint Evaluation

Dr. Girish Dhanawat, MBBS, D. Ortho., is an Orthopedic Surgeon and Joint Replacement Specialist in Thane who provides assessment and treatment planning for knee and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Personalised Treatment Recommendations

Treatment decisions are based on the patient's symptoms, examination findings, imaging results, medical history and functional requirements.

Focus on Appropriate Patient Selection

Not every patient with knee pain or a meniscus tear requires surgery.

Clinical evaluation helps identify when physiotherapy or other non-surgical care may be more suitable.

Discussion of Knee Treatment Options

Patients can discuss appropriate management options for knee pain, cartilage injuries, meniscus problems and ligament-related instability.

Clear Explanation of Treatment and Recovery

Patients receive guidance about their diagnosis, proposed treatment, possible risks and expected rehabilitation needs.

Emphasis on Functional Recovery

Recovery planning focuses on restoring knee movement, strength, stability and confidence in daily activities.

The availability of individual arthroscopic procedures should be confirmed during consultation.