Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small camera and specialised instruments to examine and treat selected problems inside a joint. Whether arthroscopy is appropriate depends on the specific injury, symptoms, examination and imaging findings.
Knee sports injuries
ACL injuries
An anterior cruciate ligament injury can cause knee instability, swelling and difficulty returning to cutting or pivoting sports. Assessment includes the injury history, clinical examination and imaging when indicated.
Treatment may involve structured rehabilitation or ACL reconstruction, depending on instability, associated injuries, activity demands and the patient’s goals.
Meniscal tears
The menisci help distribute load and contribute to knee stability. A meniscal tear may cause pain, swelling, catching or restricted movement.
Treatment depends on the tear’s pattern, location, symptoms and the condition of the knee. Options may include rehabilitation, activity modification, meniscal repair or selected arthroscopic procedures.
Cartilage and other knee conditions
Some cartilage injuries and other intra-articular problems can be assessed for non-operative or surgical management. The expected benefit of arthroscopy varies with the diagnosis, and arthroscopy is not appropriate for every painful or arthritic knee.
Shoulder sports injuries
Recurrent shoulder dislocation and instability
Repeated shoulder dislocations may damage stabilising structures and affect confidence during sports or daily activities. Assessment considers the number of episodes, direction of instability, bone loss, associated injuries and sporting demands.
Treatment may include rehabilitation, arthroscopic stabilisation or a bone-restoring procedure in selected cases.
Rotator cuff injuries
Rotator cuff problems can cause shoulder pain, weakness and difficulty with overhead activities. Management depends on the patient’s age, symptoms, functional demands and the type and extent of tendon injury.
Shoulder arthroscopy
Arthroscopy may be used for selected shoulder conditions, including instability and some rotator cuff disorders, when the expected benefits justify the procedure.
What to expect during your consultation
Your assessment may include:
- A detailed history of the injury and symptoms.
- Examination of the affected joint and relevant surrounding structures.
- Review of X-rays, MRI or other investigations where indicated.
- Discussion of non-operative and operative treatment options.
- A plan for rehabilitation, return to activity and follow-up.
Recovery and return to sport
Recovery depends on the injury, treatment performed, healing and rehabilitation progress. Returning to sport should be based on functional recovery and appropriate clinical assessment rather than a fixed date alone.
Frequently asked questions
Does every ACL tear require surgery?
No. Some patients can be managed with rehabilitation, while others may benefit from reconstruction because of persistent instability, associated injuries or sporting requirements.
Does every meniscal tear need arthroscopy?
No. Treatment depends on the type of tear, symptoms and associated knee problems. Many cases can initially be managed without surgery.
Is arthroscopy always better than open surgery?
No. The best approach depends on the condition being treated. Some problems are suitable for arthroscopy, while others require a different technique.
How soon can I return to sport after surgery?
It depends on the procedure, healing and achievement of appropriate rehabilitation milestones. Return-to-sport decisions should be individualised.
This page is general information and does not replace an individual clinical assessment. Treatment decisions depend on your history, examination and investigations.