What Patients Should Know About Keyhole Meniscus Surgery
Meniscus injuries are a common cause of knee pain, swelling, and movement restriction. For some patients, symptoms may persist despite rest, physiotherapy, or other non-surgical treatments. In such cases, keyhole meniscus surgery may be considered as part of orthopaedic management.
Understanding what keyhole meniscus surgery involves, when it is typically considered, and what recovery may entail can help patients make informed decisions about their care.
The Meniscus and Meniscus Injuries
The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage located within the knee joint. Each knee has two menisci, which act as shock absorbers and help distribute weight across the joint during movement.
Meniscus injuries may occur due to:
- Twisting or pivoting movements during sports
- Sudden changes in direction
- Age-related wear and degeneration
- Trauma to the knee
Symptoms may include knee pain, swelling, stiffness, locking, or a sensation of the knee giving way.
What Is Keyhole Meniscus Surgery?
Keyhole meniscus surgery, also known as arthroscopic meniscus surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure performed using small incisions around the knee. A camera (arthroscope) and specialised instruments are inserted into the joint to assess and treat the meniscus injury.
Depending on the type and location of the tear, the procedure may involve:
- Trimming the damaged portion of the meniscus (partial meniscectomy), or
- Repairing the torn meniscus using sutures or fixation devices
The choice of procedure is guided by the nature of the tear, knee stability, and individual patient factors.
When Keyhole Meniscus Surgery May Be Considered
Keyhole meniscus surgery is not required for all meniscus injuries. It may be considered when symptoms persist or affect daily activities despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.
Persistent Knee Pain or Mechanical Symptoms
Ongoing knee pain, locking, catching, or instability that does not improve with rest or physiotherapy may prompt further evaluation. Mechanical symptoms are often an important consideration when assessing the need for surgery.
Limited Response to Non-Surgical Management
Initial treatment for meniscus injuries commonly includes activity modification, physiotherapy, and pain management. Surgery may be discussed when these measures do not provide adequate symptom relief.
Functional Limitation
Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or performing work-related tasks due to knee symptoms may influence the decision to consider surgical intervention.
How Suitability for Surgery Is Determined
The decision to proceed with keyhole meniscus surgery is based on a combination of clinical findings and patient-reported symptoms. Assessment typically includes a physical examination of the knee, review of symptom history, and evaluation of imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These findings help determine whether the meniscus tear is likely to benefit from surgical treatment or whether non-surgical management remains appropriate.
What the Procedure Involves
Keyhole meniscus surgery is usually performed under anaesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon visualises the knee joint using the arthroscope and addresses the meniscus tear as planned.
The minimally invasive nature of the procedure generally results in smaller incisions and reduced disruption to surrounding tissues compared with open surgery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation After Surgery
Recovery following keyhole meniscus surgery varies depending on the type of procedure performed and individual patient factors.
Early Recovery Phase
In the initial period after surgery, patients may experience mild swelling or discomfort. Early movement and weight-bearing are often encouraged, depending on the surgical approach and clinical advice.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy plays an important role in recovery, focusing on restoring knee strength, flexibility, and function. Rehabilitation programmes are typically tailored to the individual and adjusted as recovery progresses.
Return to Daily Activities
Many patients are able to resume routine daily activities gradually, although return to sports or physically demanding work may require additional time and rehabilitation.
Potential Risks and Considerations
As with any surgical procedure, keyhole meniscus surgery carries potential risks, including infection, stiffness, or incomplete symptom relief. The likelihood and nature of risks depend on individual health factors and the extent of the injury.
Discussion with an orthopaedic specialist allows patients to understand potential benefits and limitations before proceeding.
Keyhole meniscus surgery is a minimally invasive option that may be considered for selected patients with meniscus injuries that do not respond to conservative treatment. Careful assessment, appropriate patient selection, and structured rehabilitation are central to achieving functional recovery. Understanding the procedure and its role within broader knee care can support informed decision-making.
