Arthroscopic (Keyhole) Surgery is a Knee Preserving Procedure
Key Facts: Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
- Inpatient treatment: 2 days
- Outpatient treatment: 7 days
- Earliest flight home: 7 days after surgery
- Recommended flight home: 10 days after surgery
- Time before showering: 5 days after surgery
- Recommended time off work: 2 weeks
- Time before suture removal: 5 days
- Time before driving a car: 2 weeks

Arthroscopic surgery (key hole surgery of the knee) involves a minimally invasive technique usually done as day case surgery and is conducive to a remarkably quick recovery.
Loose bodies, fragments and pieces if bone and cartilage floating in the knee can be removed and washed out. Rough surfaces causing Osteoarthritis and inflammation can be made smoother. As the incision in the knee is so small, scarring is minimal and trauma is reduced, giving a consequent reduction in pain and postoperative complication.
Arthroscopic cartilage and meniscus repair removes roughness, friction and “wear and tear” in the cartilage.
Fact Sheet Knee Arthroscopy
- Knee Arthroscopy examines and surgically repairs damage to bones, cartilage and ligaments of the knee
- 2 days inhouse treatment after surgery
- No inpatient rehabilitation required
- Earliest flight back home 3 days after surgery
- No follow up investigation required
- Recommended sick leave work 1-2 weeks