Knee arthroscopy is a highly effective, minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat a wide range of joint problems inside the knee. By avoiding large incisions, this approach preserves the integrity of surrounding muscle and soft tissue, significantly speeding up the postoperative recovery timeline.
Dr. Francisco Hernandez performs these procedures at state-of-the-art surgical suites in Hospital Punta Mita, utilizing high-definition imaging and specialized micro-instruments.
When is Knee Arthroscopy Indicated? (Symptom Triage)
You may be a candidate for knee arthroscopy if you experience any of the following persistent symptoms:
- Joint locking: A physical sensation that the knee is “stuck” and cannot bend or straighten completely.
- Painful clicking or catching: Internal popping noises accompanied by sharp pain when walking or squatting.
- Giving way / instability: Feeling that the knee is loose or “buckles” during pivot movements or on uneven surfaces.
- Chronic swelling: A persistent buildup of joint fluid (water on the knee) that does not respond to rest or anti-inflammatory medications.
- Positive MRI findings: Confirmed tears of the meniscus, ligaments (ACL/PCL), or loose bone/cartilage fragments.
Common Conditions Treated with Knee Arthroscopy
This minimally invasive technique is used to treat several key knee pathologies:
1. Meniscal Tears
Depending on the location and type of tear, we perform either a meniscus repair (stitching the tissue back together to preserve knee cushioning) or a partial meniscectomy (trimming away only the torn, unstable edge of the meniscus).
2. Ligament Reconstruction
Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) or Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) using autografts (your own tendons) or allografts (donor tissue) to restore mechanical stability.
3. Cartilage Defects
Microfractures or chondroplasty to smooth down rough spots and stimulate the body to grow new, protective fibrocartilage over exposed bone.
4. Loose Bodies and Synovitis
Safe removal of loose bone or cartilage fragments that act like pebbles in a gear, as well as debridement of inflamed joint lining (synovium).
Postoperative Recovery Timeline
Your recovery depends on what procedure was performed inside the knee joint:
- Partial Meniscectomy or Simple Cleanup:
- Weight-bearing: Immediate weight-bearing is allowed as tolerated.
- Light activities: Return to desk work and driving within 2 to 3 weeks.
- Impact sports: Resume high-impact exercise in 6 to 8 weeks.
- Meniscus Repair or Ligament Reconstruction:
- Weight-bearing: Crutches and a protective knee brace are required for 4 to 6 weeks to prevent weight-bearing load from disrupting the healing repair.
- Physical therapy: Initiated within the first week to restore quadriceps activation and safe knee extension.
- Full return: Sports activity and pivoting drills are resumed at 8 to 12 months post-op, once functional strength criteria are met.
Cost and Insurance Coordination
We provide a transparent, desegregated surgical quote prior to scheduling your procedure. This estimate covers the hospital facility fees at Punta Mita, anesthesia, implants (such as anchors or grafts), and surgical team fees.
- International Insurance: We assist expats, snowbirds, and travelers by providing detailed medical reports, surgical billing codes, and administrative support to facilitate direct billing or reimbursement with US, Canadian, and European insurance companies.
Frequently Asked Questions about Knee Arthroscopy
Will I need crutches after the surgery?
If you undergo a partial meniscectomy (trimming), you will likely use crutches for only a few days for comfort. If your meniscus is repaired (stitched) or your ACL is reconstructed, you must use crutches for 4 to 6 weeks to protect the healing tissue.
When can I drive again?
For automatic cars and left-knee surgeries, you may drive within the first week if you are no longer taking prescription pain medications. For manual cars or right-knee surgeries, expect to wait 3 to 4 weeks for simple procedures, and up to 6 weeks for reconstructive surgeries to ensure safe emergency braking force.
Is it better to repair or remove a torn meniscus?
Whenever possible, Dr. Francisco Hernandez prioritizes a meniscus repair (suturing) to preserve the knee’s natural shock absorbers. However, tears in the inner “white zone” lack a blood supply and cannot heal, making a partial meniscectomy (trimming) the only viable option.