Specialized Knee Treatment in Singapore Knee Arthroscopy Surgery

Dr. Sean Leo specializes in knee arthroscopy, using 25+ years of expertise and advanced techniques to restore knee stability, improve mobility, and help patients return to their activities confidently.

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Dr. Sean Leo

Orthopedic Surgeon Singapore
Arthroscopy Diagram

What is Knee Arthroscopy?

Discover Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery with Dr. Sean Leo.

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat a variety of knee conditions. It involves inserting a small camera, called an arthroscope, through tiny incisions to view the inside of the knee joint. This allows the surgeon to assess and address issues such as meniscus tears, ACL or PCL injuries, cartilage damage, loose bone fragments, or synovial inflammation.

Because it requires only small incisions, knee arthroscopy offers several benefits over traditional open surgery, including faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and a lower risk of complications.

For individuals experiencing knee pain, swelling, stiffness, or instability, arthroscopy can be an effective option to restore function and mobility. Early evaluation by a knee specialist is key to determining whether arthroscopy is the appropriate treatment based on your condition, activity level, and overall joint health.

Knee Arthroscopy for Osteoarthritis Treatment: Surgical Solutions to Relieve Knee Arthritis

Dr. Sean Leo explains how knee arthroscopy, as a surgical option, can effectively treat osteoarthritis and improve knee function at different stages of the condition.

Conditions Addressed by Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is commonly used to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems that cause pain, swelling, or instability. This minimally invasive procedure allows orthopedic specialists to directly visualize and treat the joint with precision.

Some of the most common conditions knee arthroscopy can address include:
PCL Injuries
Meniscus
Tears

These are often caused by twisting motions or trauma and may result in pain, swelling, or locking of the knee.

ACL and
PCL Injuries

Arthroscopy allows for accurate assessment and reconstruction of torn ligaments, helping restore knee stability.

Cartilage
Damage

Worn or injured cartilage can be smoothed or repaired to reduce pain and improve function.

Loose Bodies or
Bone Fragments

Small pieces of bone or cartilage that float in the joint can be removed to relieve catching or locking sensations.

Synovial
Inflammation

In conditions like arthritis or autoimmune disorders, inflamed tissue can be trimmed to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Knee Arthroscopy
Benefits and Recovery

Specialized Care by Dr. Sean Leo, Orthopaedic Knee & Sports Injury Specialist
  • Benefits
  • When Needed
  • Recovery Time
  • Success Rates
  • Surgery Costs

What are the benefits of knee arthroscopy?

Why Consider Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive, precise, and effective approach to knee care, commonly used to diagnose and treat a range of conditions such as meniscus tears, ACL injuries, cartilage damage, and joint inflammation.

Because it involves small incisions and specialized tools, arthroscopy typically results in:

  • Less tissue disruption
  • Smaller scars
  • Reduced risk of infection
  • Quicker recovery compared to open surgery

This technique allows orthopedic specialists to accurately assess damage and perform targeted repairs, helping patients regain comfort, mobility, and confidence in their knee function.

When is Knee Arthroscopy recommended?

Targeted treatment

Knee Arthroscopy is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments have not effectively relieved pain, improved mobility, or restored knee function. It is especially useful for diagnosing and treating conditions such as meniscus tears, ACL or PCL injuries, cartilage damage, and chronic inflammation.

You may be a candidate for knee arthroscopy if:

  • Imaging (like MRI) shows structural damage inside the knee
  • You experience persistent knee pain, locking, or instability
  • Your symptoms interfere with daily activities or sports
  • There is joint swelling that does not improve with rest or therapy
  • Conservative treatments like physiotherapy or medications have failed

A consultation with an orthopedic knee specialist helps determine whether arthroscopy is the most suitable option to restore your knee health and function.

How long is the recovery after Knee Arthroscopy?

What to Expect

Recovery after knee arthroscopy is typically quicker than traditional surgery, but it still follows a structured process. Most patients return to normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks, while full recovery can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on the specific condition treated and the rehabilitation process.

The recovery journey generally includes these phases:

Initial phase (0-2 weeks)
Focus on pain management, swelling reduction, and regaining basic mobility.

Early rehabilitation (2-6 weeks)
Improve range of motion and start strength exercises.

Intermediate phase (6-12 weeks)
Strengthening and balance training.

Full Recovery (3-6 months)
Gradual return to high-impact activities.

A tailored rehabilitation plan, guided by an experienced knee specialist, is crucial to achieving optimal recovery.

How successful is Knee Arthroscopy surgery?

Evidence-Based Outcomes

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that is generally highly successful in diagnosing and treating a wide range of knee conditions, such as meniscal tears, ligament injuries, cartilage damage, and inflammation. With advancements in surgical techniques and post-operative care, most patients experience significant improvement in knee function and pain relief.

Key indicators of success include:

  • Relief from knee pain and mechanical symptoms
  • Restoration of knee mobility and function
  • Return to pre-injury activity levels
  • Prevention of further joint damage
  • Enhanced quality of life

Although knee arthroscopy has a high success rate, it is still a surgical procedure and carries potential risks and complications. Some patients may require additional treatment or surgery depending on the underlying condition and response to initial care. Outcomes are influenced by factors such as the extent of knee damage, rehabilitation adherence, and individual healing response.

Regular follow-up appointments with your orthopedic specialist are essential to monitor recovery, address any concerns, and support long-term joint health.

How much does Knee Arthroscopy cost?

Financial Considerations

Cost of procedure varies based on the complexity of the surgery to be performed and individual insurance panel specifications. These will be discussed with you by Dr Sean’s clinic staff after the consultation should you wish to proceed with surgery. The clinic staff are experienced in assisting with applications for letter of guarantees from various insurance panels and corporate insurance panels. 

Cost factors include:

  • Surgical technique and complexity
  • Type of graft or treatment used
  • Hospital or day surgery center fees
  • Anaesthesia services
  • Pre-operative assessments
  • Post-operative rehabilitation

Take the First Step Towards Recovery

Dr. Sean Leo, an orthopedic surgeon in Singapore, offers thorough assessments and personalized treatment plans for knee conditions, including ACL injuries, utilizing advanced techniques like knee arthroscopy.