Knee Arthroscopy
A small camera inserted through tiny incisions provides live direct visualisation inside the knee — enabling simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of meniscal tears, ligament injuries, cartilage damage, and joint pathology.
What is Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy uses a high-definition fibre-optic camera — the arthroscope — introduced through a small incision to project live images of the joint's interior onto a monitor screen. Surgical instruments inserted through additional small portals allow simultaneous treatment of any pathology identified. Unlike imaging investigations, arthroscopy reveals the true status of every structure inside the joint in real time — the degree of cartilage wear, the exact tear pattern, the ligament integrity. Dr. Sai Kishan uses knee arthroscopy at Lux Hospitals both as the entry point for definitive surgical procedures and as a standalone diagnostic tool when imaging leaves questions unanswered.
Appropriate for patients with mechanical knee symptoms — locking, catching, swelling, instability, or pain on loading — where clinical assessment and imaging suggest intra-articular pathology requiring direct arthroscopic evaluation or treatment that cannot be adequately addressed conservatively.
How the Procedure Works
Anaesthesia & Portal Marking
Spinal or general anaesthesia; the knee is positioned and portal entry sites are marked before draping.
Camera Insertion & Joint Survey
The arthroscope is introduced and a methodical survey of all compartments, menisci, ligaments, cartilage surfaces, and the patellofemoral joint is performed.
Pathology Identification
Any tear, lesion, loose body, inflamed tissue, or structural abnormality is identified, characterised, and photographed for the operative record.
Surgical Intervention
The identified pathology is treated in the same session — repair, resection, debridement, loose body removal, or reconstruction — depending on findings.
Portal Closure & Discharge Planning
Portals are closed with sutures; ice, elevation, and physiotherapy instructions are provided and the patient is discharged on the same day.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
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Real-time direct visualisation of every structure within the knee joint
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Diagnose and treat multiple pathologies through the same small portals
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Minimally invasive — no large incisions, no significant scarring, rapid return to activity
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Day-case procedure — the patient goes home on the same day as surgery
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Avoids open surgery in the vast majority of knee conditions requiring intervention
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Gold-standard approach for meniscal, cartilage, ligament, and synovial conditions
Arthroscopy lets us see the truth of what is happening inside the knee — and then fix it, all through incisions smaller than a centimetre. The diagnostic and therapeutic value in a single session is extraordinary.
— — Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala, Knee and Hip Joint Replacement & Robotic Surgery
Knee Arthroscopy Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of Knee Arthroscopy in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹60,000 to ₹1,20,000, with an average cost of around ₹90,000. The final cost depends on whether the procedure is diagnostic or therapeutic, the underlying knee condition, the procedures performed during arthroscopy, surgeon and operating-room charges, investigations, hospitalisation and post-operative care.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Loose bodies, plica, synovitis | ₹60,000 ₹1,20,000 |
| Assessment and minor procedures | ₹60,000 ₹1,20,000 |
| Mechanical symptoms with early OA | ₹60,000 ₹1,20,000 |
Diagnostic knee arthroscopy may identify a condition that can be treated during the same sitting, which can change the final procedure and cost. When multiple procedures, such as ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair, are performed together, the hospital may price them as a combined surgical package rather than simply adding the individual procedure costs.
Factors Affecting Knee Arthroscopy Cost
The total cost of knee arthroscopy depends on the underlying knee problem, the extent of treatment required during the procedure and the level of surgical and post-operative care involved.
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Type and severity of the knee condition, including loose bodies, plica, synovitis, meniscus injury, ligament injury or selected early osteoarthritis cases
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Whether the arthroscopy is performed only for diagnosis or includes therapeutic procedures during the same surgical session
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Additional procedures required during arthroscopy, such as removal of loose bodies, synovectomy, plica excision, meniscus treatment or debridement
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Combined procedures performed during the same sitting, which may be structured as a surgical package depending on the treatment plan
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Pre-operative X-rays, MRI scans, blood tests and other investigations required to assess the knee
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Surgeon, anaesthesia, operating-room and surgical equipment charges
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Hospitalisation, medications, dressings and post-operative monitoring
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Physiotherapy and rehabilitation requirements following the procedure
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Follow-up consultations and any additional treatment required during recovery
Insurance Coverage for Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy performed for a medically necessary condition may be covered under health insurance, subject to the policy terms, network hospital provisions, approved package, waiting periods and applicable exclusions or deductibles. Patients should confirm coverage and pre-authorisation requirements with their insurer before treatment.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Sai Kishan
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
Consultation with an experienced orthopaedic specialist is recommended to determine whether knee arthroscopy is appropriate. At Lux Hospitals, the orthopaedic team can review symptoms and imaging findings and recommend diagnostic or therapeutic arthroscopy based on the underlying knee condition. During the consultation, the doctor may assess: Location, duration and severity of knee pain, swelling, stiffness, locking or other mechanical symptoms Clinical examination findings, including knee movement, stability, tenderness and signs of meniscus or ligament involvement X-rays, MRI scans and other imaging used to identify the underlying joint pathology Whether conservative treatment has been attempted and whether symptoms continue despite non-surgical care Whether diagnostic arthroscopy alone or a therapeutic procedure may be required during the same sitting Expected recovery time, weight-bearing restrictions, physiotherapy and rehabilitation requirements
Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan Sirasala Consultation with Dr. Sai Kishan SirasalaCommon Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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