Knee Arthroscopy: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Knee Arthroscopy?
An orthopedic surgeon, a surgeon who treats bones and joints, performs knee arthroscopy. A physical therapist, an exercise and rehabilitation specialist, may help with your recovery afterward. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Knee arthroscopy is surgery that uses a tiny camera to look inside your knee. The surgeon puts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your knee joint. Because the tools are thin, the surgeon can use very small cuts instead of the larger cut needed for open surgery.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Your doctor may recommend knee arthroscopy if you have a painful condition that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Arthroscopy may be recommended for a torn meniscus, which is cartilage that cushions the space between the bones in the knee. It may also be recommended for a torn or damaged anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Another reason is a kneecap that is out of position.
How to prepare
Common preparation steps include the following.
- Your surgeon may ask you to see your primary doctor to check your general health before surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about any medicines or supplements you take, because you may need to stop some of them before surgery.
- Ask your surgeon which medicines you should still take on the day of your surgery.
- Follow the instructions on when to arrive and when to stop eating or drinking.
- If you smoke, try to stop, because smoking can slow wound and bone healing.
What happens during it
You will have one of several types of pain relief, called anesthesia. The surgeon makes 2 or 3 small cuts around your knee. A narrow tube with a tiny camera on the end goes in through one of the cuts. The surgeon may put other small surgical tools inside your knee through the other cuts. The surgeon then fixes or removes the problem in your knee. Most knee arthroscopy procedures last less than an hour.
Recovery
After surgery, you will move to the recovery room and should be able to go home within 1 or 2 hours. Pain medicines called opioids are narcotics and can be addictive. Use opioids only as directed by your doctor. Keep your leg elevated as much as possible for the first few days after surgery. Use ice as your doctor recommends to ease swelling and pain. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to put weight on your leg. You should exercise your knee regularly for several weeks. This restores motion and strengthens the muscles of your leg and knee. Unless you had a ligament reconstruction, meniscus repair, or cartilage restoration, you should be able to return to most physical activities after 6 to 8 weeks, or sometimes much sooner.
Risks and side effects
The complication rate after arthroscopic surgery is very low. If complications occur, they are usually minor and are treated easily. Possible problems include infection, blood clots, knee stiffness, blood collecting in the knee, and bruising or swelling. Another risk is injury to a blood vessel or nerve. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting for two minutes or more, or fainting.
Who performs it
An orthopedic surgeon performs knee arthroscopy. Your surgeon and a member of the anesthesia team will talk with you about which kind of anesthesia is best for you.
Common questions
Is knee arthroscopy done as an outpatient procedure?
Yes, if you are generally healthy, it will most likely be an outpatient procedure. This means you will not need to stay overnight at the hospital.
How long does knee arthroscopy take?
Most knee arthroscopy procedures last less than an hour.
When can I drive after knee arthroscopy?
Typically, patients are able to drive from 1 to 3 weeks after a minor procedure. Your doctor will discuss with you when you may drive.
Can knee arthroscopy fix every knee problem?
No, sometimes the damage to the knee is too significant to be completely reversed with arthroscopic surgery. More extensive operations may be needed in the future for more severe conditions.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Knee Arthroscopy
- MedlinePlus - Knee arthroscopy
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
