Is arthroscopy done under general or local anaesthesia?

Arthroscopy can be performed under general, regional, or occasionally local anaesthesia, depending on the joint, procedure, patient health, and anaesthetist’s recommendation.

There is no single anaesthetic technique used for every arthroscopic procedure.

General anaesthesia

Under general anaesthesia, the patient is asleep throughout the operation.

It is commonly used for procedures such as:

• Shoulder arthroscopy
• ACL reconstruction
• More complex arthroscopic repairs

Regional anaesthesia

Regional anaesthesia numbs a larger part of the body.

For some knee procedures, spinal anaesthesia may be used so that the lower half of the body is numb while the patient remains awake or lightly sedated.

Local anaesthesia

Local anaesthesia numbs a small area and may be suitable for limited procedures, but it is less commonly used for more extensive arthroscopic repair.

ASIC Clinic describes arthroscopy as being performed under short-term anaesthesia in many cases.

The final decision is made by the surgeon and anaesthetist after considering the planned procedure, medical history, patient preference, and safety.