Knee arthroscopy in Wrocław
Knee arthroscopy is keyhole surgery in which the surgeon passes a camera and fine instruments into the joint through 2-3 small incisions to assess and treat damage - washing out the joint, removing loose bodies or smoothing damaged cartilage. It usually takes 30-45 minutes under regional anaesthetic. At Luna Clinic in Wrocław it is performed by Krzysztof Ciechan, MD, PhD.
Knee arthroscopy is keyhole surgery in which the surgeon passes a camera and fine instruments into the joint through 2-3 small incisions to assess and treat damage - washing out the joint, removing loose bodies or smoothing damaged cartilage. It usually takes 30-45 minutes under regional anaesthetic. At Luna Clinic in Wrocław it is performed by Krzysztof Ciechan, MD, PhD.
What does the procedure involve?
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in which a camera (arthroscope) and precise micro-instruments are introduced into the joint through several small incisions. This makes it possible to view the inside of the knee in magnification and at the same time treat the detected damage, without opening the joint - so that recovery is faster and the scars minimal.
The most common indications for the procedure:
Preparation for the procedure:
Orthopaedic consultation with qualification for arthroscopy
Laboratory tests
Anaesthetic consultation
Stopping anticoagulant medications 7-10 days before the procedure (in agreement with the doctor)
A ban on alcohol and tobacco for a minimum of 5 days before the procedure
On the day of the procedure: the knee clean, without skin lesions, without lotions or ointments
Course of the procedure
Arthroscopy usually takes 30-45 minutes and is performed under regional (less often general) anaesthesia.
The surgeon makes 2-3 small incisions around the knee (the so-called arthroscopic portals).
An arthroscope with a camera and micro-instruments is introduced into the joint. Depending on the indications, the procedure includes:
cleaning of the joint (lavage), shaving of the damaged cartilage, removal of synovial folds, synovectomy, removal of loose bodies.
The procedure ends with the application of sutures and a dressing.
Recovery and post-procedure recommendations:
Walking with the operated limb offloaded (e.g. crutches) for 3-7 days
Cooling the joint (cold pack, 2-3× a day for 15 minutes)
Limitation of physical activity for 2-4 weeks
Range-of-motion exercises for the knee from the first days after the procedure
Supervised physiotherapy recommended
Removal of the sutures after 7-10 days
Return to sport possible after 6-8 weeks, depending on the scope of the procedure
Haematoma or effusion into the joint
Swelling, temporary pain
Infection (risk <1%)
Intra-articular adhesions (in the absence of rehabilitation)
Damage to intra-articular structures (very rarely)
Recurrence of complaints in the case of a chronic disease
Frequently asked questions
What does knee arthroscopy involve?
It is a minimally invasive procedure in which, through 2-3 incisions a few millimetres long, a camera and micro-instruments are introduced. It allows the damage inside the knee to be diagnosed and repaired at the same time - without opening the joint.
Which conditions are treated arthroscopically?
Damage to the menisci and cartilage, loose bodies in the joint, overgrowth and inflammation of the synovial membrane, synovial folds and ambiguous complaints requiring diagnostics. The scope of repairs is determined intraoperatively.
How long does knee arthroscopy take?
Usually 30-60 minutes, depending on the scope of the repair. The procedure is most often performed under subarachnoid anaesthesia. Afterwards, the doctor assesses your condition and decides when you can go home.
Are there scars after arthroscopy?
Only 2-3 marks a few millimetres in size remain from the portals, which lighten over time and become practically invisible.
When can you walk after knee arthroscopy?
Usually shortly after the procedure, initially with the support of elbow crutches. The degree of loading of the limb depends on the scope of the repair and is determined individually by the operator.
How long does recovery after arthroscopy take?
You usually return to office work after 1-2 weeks, to physical work and sport after 4-8 weeks. Rehabilitation started early after the procedure is crucial.
Does arthroscopy hurt?
The procedure itself is painless thanks to anaesthesia. After the operation the complaints are moderate and well controlled by painkillers and cooling of the joint.
How to prepare for knee arthroscopy?
An orthopaedic consultation with imaging tests (X-ray, MRI), basic blood tests and anaesthesiological qualification are required. On the day of the procedure you must be fasting.
Will arthroscopy help with advanced degenerative disease?
With advanced gonarthrosis, arthroscopy usually does not bring lasting improvement - in such cases endoprosthetic replacement is considered. The orthopaedist will indicate the appropriate method after evaluating the tests.
When can you return to sport after arthroscopy?
To light activity (stationary bike, swimming) usually after 3-4 weeks, to sports that load the knee after 6-12 weeks - depending on the scope of the repair and the progress of rehabilitation.
What are the possible complications of arthroscopy?
Rare: haematoma, infection, thrombosis, temporary swelling and stiffness of the joint. The minimally invasive technique and antithrombotic prophylaxis minimise the risk.
Knee arthroscopy in Wrocław: how much does it cost?
Knee arthroscopy starts at PLN 7,000 in our price list.
Is it covered by the NFZ (Polish public health insurance)?
Luna Clinic treats patients privately. Knee arthroscopy is funded by the NFZ in orthopaedic departments after a referral, usually with a waiting time that depends on the hospital.
Indications - is this procedure for you?
The most common reasons patients come for the “Knee arthroscopy” procedure:
- Pain limiting daily activity, work or sleep.
- Mobility limitation, instability or “catching” in the joint.
- Insufficient improvement after conservative treatment and rehabilitation.
Contraindications
Effects - when and for how long?
Effect: gradual improvement in the following weeks of rehabilitation. Durability: lasting with adherence to recommendations.
Safety and possible complications
As with any operation, the following are possible - though rare: haematoma, infection, sensory disturbances in the operated area, scar hypertrophy or the need for another procedure.
We minimise the risk at every stage: a sterile procedure suite, an experienced anaesthesiology team, careful qualification and post-operative monitoring. You have the right to know every aspect of the procedure - at the consultation we will discuss them honestly and without haste.
Krzysztof Ciechan, MD, PhD
A specialist in orthopaedics and traumatology of the locomotor system with over 13 years of experience in trauma and orthopaedic surgery. A doctor of medical sciences, a graduate of the Wrocław Medical Academy; he also gained practice in hospitals in the United Kingdom, combining modern treatment techniques with an individual approach to the patient.
Take the first step
Book a consultation - an honest conversation about expectations, possibilities and the treatment plan.
Knee arthroscopy: price and consultation
Knee arthroscopy costs from PLN 7,000 at Luna Clinic. The price depends on the extent - mainly diagnostic or with repair of damage. If a meniscus needs stitching, the procedure is priced as arthroscopy with meniscus repair (from PLN 13,000).
How to book
Call +48 666 850 666 (Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00) or send the consultation form. All prices: Luna Clinic price list.
Where we are
Consultation and surgery: Luna Clinic, ul. Władysława Syrokomli 46, 51-141 Wrocław, Poland - in the Karłowice area of the Psie Pole district. There is parking for patients by the clinic. Directions and map