Knee arthroscopy, keyhole surgery, is a technique used to inspect the inside of the joint cavity to diagnose and assess damage and, where possible, to treat this damage. Arthroscopic knee surgery involves putting a small telescope and special instruments into the knee, with the ability to photograph and video the operation. At the same time all of the other structures within the knee can be clearly viewed and probed. . Arthroscopic knee surgery is used to treat any number of conditions that occur within the knee from simple cartilage tears to removal of loose bodies, meniscal surgeries and anterior/ posterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that provides cushion between the Femur (thigh bone) and Tibia (shin bone). In many ways, meniscus acts as shock-absorbers of the knee joint. They can be damaged or torn during activities that put pressure on or rotate the knee joint. If a meniscus is torn, it is ideal to get it repaired at the earliest since neglected meniscal damage leads to onset of osteoarthritis of the knee. WHAT IS DONE? The entire procedure is done with the help of 2-3 small keyhole sized incisions from which the instruments and the small laser/telescopic camera is inserted and the procedure is visualized on a high definition screen. Arthroscopic Meniscectomy: A minor surgery where the torn part of the damaged meniscus is removed and the remaining part of the meniscus is smoothened/ balanced in order to prevent any further damage to knee cartilage and ensure smooth functioning of the joint. Arthroscopic Meniscal repair: Depending on the pattern, some of the meniscal tears can be repaired. The torn portion of the meniscus is repaired with the help of specialized meniscal sutures. PRE-OPERATIVE STEPS Though the procedure is a very minor procedure, every effort is made to assess the patient prior to surgery in order to ensure safety of the patient for the elective procedure. 1. After admission, routine blood work-up will be done prior to surgery. Depending on the age of the patient and other premorbid conditions, other investigations such as Echocardiography may be performed. 2. All the investigations prior to surgery are performed in order to ensure that the surgical procedure can be safely tolerated by the patient, since it is an elective procedure. If any risk is involved, the patient/ attendants will be informed so. 3. X-rays and MRI may be done depending on the surgeon’s choice and the surgical indication for the procedure. 4. Surgical consent will be explained to the patient detailing the procedure as well as the risks involved, if any. INTRA-OPERATIVE STEPS- MENISCAL REPAIR/ MENISCECTOMY A meniscal injury is most commonly associated with another ligamental injury, though it is not uncommon to find an isolated meniscal injury. Meniscal tears are majorly of 2 types repairable and irreparable. Depending on the type of pattern two procedures which are performed commonly are described. 1. 2-3 small key hole incisions are made on the front aspect of the knee. 2. A small 1 mm Arthroscopic Camera is inserted into the knee joint to visualize the torn meniscus. 3. If the meniscus part is damaged and irreparable, a Debrider is inserted into the joint to remove the damaged portion of the meniscus and remaining part is smoothly balanced. The meniscectomy is complete. 4. If the Meniscus part which is torn is radial in shape or is large, an attempt is made to perform the meniscal repair. 5. An all inside suture with needle is inserted into the joint and is released after obtaining a hold in both the cut ends of the torn meniscus. 6. After checking that the torn portions are again in continuity, meniscal repair is complete. 7. Wound is closed with 2 or 3 small sutures followed by dressing. POST-OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT/ REHABILITATION Meniscectomy- patient is allowed to resume all the daily activities from the next day itself including full weight bearing. Patient needs to follow up for suture removal at 10th day after surgery Meniscal repair- patient is advised to continue non-weight bearing for a period of 6 weeks in order to allow for the torn meniscus to heal adequately.