Knee Arthroscopy

Symptoms & Signs 

Knee arthroscopy may be considered when symptoms continue despite rest, medication, physiotherapy, or other non-surgical treatment.

Common symptoms include:

•    Persistent knee pain
•    Swelling that does not improve
•    Locking, catching, or clicking in the knee
•    Difficulty fully bending or straightening the knee
•    Knee instability or a feeling that the knee gives way
•    Reduced mobility affecting daily activities
•    Pain during walking, squatting, climbing stairs, or sport
•    Recurrent symptoms after a knee injury

These symptoms may be caused by meniscus tears, cartilage damage, loose fragments inside the joint, ligament injuries, inflammation, or other conditions affecting the knee.

Diagnosis & Evaluation

Before recommending knee arthroscopy, your orthopedic specialist will carry out a detailed assessment to understand the cause of your symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

At Mubadala Health Dubai, evaluation may include:

•    Detailed medical history and review of symptoms
•    Physical examination to assess pain, swelling, movement, and stability
•    X-rays to assess bone alignment or joint changes
•    MRI scan to evaluate the meniscus, cartilage, ligaments, and soft tissues
•    Review of previous injuries, treatments, and activity goals

In many cases, imaging can help identify the underlying problem.

Arthroscopy may then be recommended when symptoms persist or when a condition is likely to benefit from minimally invasive treatment.

Conditions Treated with Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat several knee conditions, including:

•    Meniscus tears
•    Cartilage injuries
•    Loose bodies or small fragments within the joint
•    Synovitis, which is inflammation of the joint lining
•    Selected ligament injuries
•    Certain causes of knee locking or catching
•    Ongoing pain after sports or trauma-related injuries
•    Selected early degenerative knee conditions, depending on the individual case

Your specialist will determine whether arthroscopy is suitable based on your diagnosis, symptoms, knee function, and overall joint health.

Treatment & Management

During knee arthroscopy, the surgeon makes small keyhole incisions around the knee. A small camera is inserted into the joint, allowing the surgeon to view the knee on a screen and treat the affected area using specialized instruments.

Depending on the condition being treated, the procedure may involve:

•    Repairing or trimming a torn meniscus
•    Removing loose fragments from the joint
•    Smoothing or treating damaged cartilage
•    Treating inflamed joint lining
•    Assisting with ligament reconstruction
•    Assessing the inside of the knee when symptoms are unclear

Because arthroscopy is minimally invasive, it may support smaller scars, less postoperative pain, and a more focused recovery pathway compared with traditional open surgery. The exact recovery experience depends on the condition treated and the complexity of the procedure.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Recovery after knee arthroscopy varies from patient to patient. Some procedures allow a relatively quick return to daily activities, while more complex repairs or ligament-related procedures require a longer rehabilitation period.

A personalized rehabilitation program may focus on:

•    Reducing pain and swelling
•    Restoring knee range of motion
•    Rebuilding strength
•    Improving balance and control
•    Supporting safe walking and stair use
•    Gradually returning to exercise or sport
•    Reducing the risk of future injury

Your care team will guide your recovery based on the procedure performed, your symptoms, your activity level, and your long-term goals.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Persistent knee symptoms should not be ignored, especially when they impact movement, stability, or daily function. Delaying assessment might cause some knee problems to worsen over time, particularly if there is ongoing cartilage damage, repeated locking, or instability.

Early diagnosis helps identify the cause of symptoms and allows us to recommend the right treatment, whether that involves rehabilitation, injections, arthroscopy, or another approach.

When Should You See a Specialist?

You should consider seeing an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist if you experience:

•    Knee pain that does not improve with rest
•    Swelling that keeps returning
•    Locking, catching, or clicking in the knee
•    Difficulty bending or straightening the knee
•    Knee instability or giving way
•    Pain that affects walking, stairs, squatting, or sport
•    Symptoms after a twisting injury, fall, or sports injury
•    Reduced mobility that interferes with daily life

A specialist assessment can help determine whether knee arthroscopy may be appropriate or whether another treatment option is better suited to your condition.