Arthroscopic surgery on the knee involves inserting a small camera (less than 1/4 inch diameter) into the knee joint through a small incision (barely larger than the camera). This camera is attached to a video monitor which the surgeon uses to see inside the knee. In some facilities, the patient can choose to watch the surgery on the monitor as well.

After the camera is inserted, saline is pumped in under pressure to expand the joint and to help control bleeding. Some surgeons also use a tourniquet to prevent bleeding, but this can obscure the picture on the monitor.

After looking around the entire knee for problem areas, the surgeon will make from one to four other small incisions to insert other instruments with which the surgery is performed. Commonly used instruments include a blunt hook to pull on various tissues, a shaver to remove damaged or unwanted soft tissues, and a burr to remove bone.

At the completion of the surgery, the saline is drained from the knee, the incisions are closed, and a dressing applied. Many surgeons take pictures of the procedure from the video monitor to allow the patient to see what was done.

Arthroscopy may be recommended for knee problems, such as:

• A torn meniscus (either repair or remove)
• Mild arthritis
• Loose bodies (small pieces of broken cartillage) in the knee joint
• A torn or damaged anterior cruciate or posterior cruciate ligament
• Inflamed or damaged lining of the joint (synovium)
• Malalignment of the knee cap (patella)