What are the different types of knee surgery?

There are several types of knee surgery, and each is used for a different problem. Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used for selected meniscus, cartilage, ligament, and other problems inside the joint. ACL or other ligament reconstruction is performed when an important ligament is torn and the knee remains unstable.

Meniscus surgery may involve repairing a tear or removing only the damaged portion when repair is not possible. Cartilage procedures are used in selected patients with focal cartilage damage. Osteotomy may be considered in some younger patients to change the way weight passes through an arthritic knee. For advanced arthritis, partial knee replacement replaces only the damaged section, while total knee replacement replaces the main damaged joint surfaces. Revision knee replacement is used when an existing implant needs to be changed.

The surgeon chooses the procedure after examining the knee and reviewing imaging. The best operation is the one that directly addresses the patient’s actual problem.

Some procedures can also be combined. For example, an arthroscopy may include meniscus treatment at the same time as ligament reconstruction. This is why patients should ask their surgeon to name the exact operation rather than simply saying ‘knee surgery.’ The specific procedure determines the anaesthesia, hospital stay, restrictions, and rehabilitation plan.