Orthopaedics · Jaipur Hospital
Arthroscopy (Keyhole Joint Surgery) in Jaipur
Joint pain, locking or instability — we assess, explain options and give you a clear plan.
- Serving Jaipur since 1991 (35 years)
- NABH accredited
- 24×7 emergency & ICU
- Cashless: RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS + 22 insurers
- Operation time
- 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the joint and the repair
- Anaesthesia
- Spinal or general anaesthesia, often with a nerve block
- Recovery
- Walking the same or next day after most knee arthroscopysport in weeks to months, depending on the repair
- Price
- ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000typical range in India, depending on the joint and repair; ask us for an estimate
Joint pain limits daily life
Your joint hurts, catches or gives way, and simple movements have become difficult
You may have swelling, stiffness or a feeling that the joint locks. Rest, medicines and physiotherapy have not helped enough. You want to know what is wrong and whether a small operation can fix it.
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Pain and swelling
The joint aches at rest and swells after activity, making walking or lifting hard.
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Catching or locking
You feel a mechanical block or click when you move the joint through its range.
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Instability
The joint feels loose or gives way, so you cannot trust it on stairs or uneven ground.
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Failed conservative care
Physiotherapy, medicines and injections have not given lasting relief.
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Unclear diagnosis
X-rays and scans have not shown the exact cause of your symptoms.
Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to look inside the joint with a small camera to confirm the problem and treat it at the same time.
Why Jaipur Hospital
You are tired of the pain, worried about time off work and the cost of treatment, and you want a straight answer without being rushed.
Your care plan
Your first steps with us
- 1 Book an OPD consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon
- 2 Get scans and tests done in-house if needed
- 3 Agree a plan and receive a cost estimate
- 4 Have surgery and start guided rehabilitation
How the operation is done
The surgeon makes two or three small cuts near the joint, inserts a tiny camera and instruments, and repairs the damage under direct vision. It is usually done under spinal or general anaesthesia with a nerve block, and takes 30 minutes to two hours.
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Diagnostic arthroscopy
A small camera is inserted to confirm the cause of pain, locking or instability when imaging is unclear.
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Meniscus repair or trimming
A torn knee cartilage is stitched if it can heal, or the damaged part is trimmed away.
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Ligament reconstruction
A torn ACL or PCL is rebuilt using a graft to restore knee stability.
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Shoulder stabilisation and rotator cuff repair
Torn shoulder tendons or ligaments are repaired after dislocation or chronic pain.
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Capsular release
The tight capsule of a frozen shoulder or elbow is divided to restore movement.
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Loose body removal and debridement
Loose fragments or inflamed tissue are removed from the knee, ankle, hip or elbow.
Why patients trust us
- 1991 Serving Jaipur for 35 years
- NABH Accredited hospital
- 5 Orthopaedics consultants
- 24×7 Emergency, ICU and ambulance
- 25 Cashless schemes and insurers
What research shows about this treatment
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1 to 2 weeks for wound healing
After shoulder arthroscopy, the incision healing phase typically takes one to two weeks before formal rehabilitation begins.
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6 to 8 weeks to usual activities
Most people return to their usual activities within six to eight weeks after knee arthroscopy, with sports taking longer.
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infection risk about 2 in 1000
Large studies report an infection rate of roughly two per thousand knee arthroscopies, with serious complications being rare.
If it is left untreated
If left untreated, a meniscus tear or ligament injury can lead to ongoing pain, repeated swelling and early joint wear. A frozen shoulder may cause protracted disability lasting months to years. Loose bodies can damage the joint surface further.
Life after treatment
Most people go home the same day or next day, start gentle exercises within days, and return to daily tasks in weeks. Full recovery for sports or heavy work takes months, guided by physiotherapy.
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Walk the same or next day
After most knee arthroscopies you can bear weight straight away with crutches if needed.
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Return to desk work in days
If you sit for work, you may be back within two days; heavy labour may need up to six weeks.
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Guided physiotherapy plan
Our in-house physiotherapists design a custom programme to restore strength and movement safely.
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Sport in weeks to months
Light activity often resumes around six weeks; contact sports usually wait three to four months.
Frequently asked questions
Questions patients ask about arthroscopy (keyhole joint surgery)
What is arthroscopy (keyhole joint surgery)?
In short
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive operation that lets a surgeon look inside a joint and treat problems through small cuts. At Jaipur Hospital, our orthopaedic team uses a thin camera called an arthroscope to see the joint on a screen and perform repairs with tiny instruments. The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the joint and the repair needed.
In detail
The surgeon makes two or three small incisions around the joint, each about 2 to 3 millimetres wide. A camera with a light is inserted through one cut and sends images to a monitor.
Through the other cuts, the surgeon passes specialised instruments to trim torn cartilage, repair ligaments, remove loose fragments, or release a stiff capsule. Because the cuts are small, there is less trauma to surrounding tissues than with open surgery.
Evidence shows that diagnostic arthroscopy provides easy access with minimal damage, and that arthroscopic techniques have largely replaced open approaches for many conditions.
A common belief
Many people think joint surgery always means a large incision and a long hospital stay.
What actually happens
In fact, arthroscopy uses cuts only a few millimetres wide, so there is less pain, faster wound healing, and most patients go home the same day.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
If you have joint pain, swelling, locking, or instability that has not improved with rest, physiotherapy, or medication, you may be a candidate for arthroscopy. Your surgeon will examine you, review any scans, and discuss whether keyhole surgery is appropriate. Most patients go home the same day or after one night.
Which specialist should I see for a joint problem?
In short
You should see an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in joint disorders and arthroscopy. At Jaipur Hospital, our orthopaedic department includes surgeons trained in keyhole surgery of the knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, and elbow. They assess whether your problem needs surgery or can be managed with physiotherapy, medication, or injections.
In detail
Orthopaedic surgeons are the specialists who diagnose and operate on bone, joint, ligament, and tendon problems. Some focus on sports injuries, others on joint replacement or trauma. For arthroscopy, you want a surgeon who regularly performs keyhole procedures on the affected joint.
Evidence shows that healthcare providers usually recommend non-surgical treatments first, such as physical therapy or steroid injections, and refer for arthroscopy when these have not completely solved the issue. A surgeon with a sports injury or arthroscopy interest will be familiar with the latest techniques and rehabilitation protocols.
A common belief
Some patients go to a general physician or physiotherapist first, which is fine for initial advice.
What actually happens
But if symptoms persist, only an orthopaedic surgeon can decide whether arthroscopy is appropriate and perform it. A surgeon who does not regularly do arthroscopy may not offer the keyhole option.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
You can book an appointment directly with our orthopaedic OPD at Jaipur Hospital. Bring any previous imaging and a list of medications. The surgeon will examine you, discuss your goals, and outline a plan. If surgery is advised, you will receive information about the procedure, anaesthesia options, and expected recovery.
Can my joint problem improve without an operation?
In short
Many joint problems improve with non-surgical treatment such as physiotherapy, activity modification, pain relief medication, or injections. At Jaipur Hospital, our orthopaedic surgeons follow a step-up approach, recommending surgery only when conservative measures have not provided adequate relief. The decision depends on the diagnosis, severity, and how much the symptoms affect your life.
In detail
Evidence shows that healthcare providers usually recommend non-surgical treatments first, including physical therapy and steroid injections, and typically suggest arthroscopy after these have not completely solved the issues. For frozen shoulder, a step-up approach in terms of invasiveness is advised.
For ankle impingement, non-surgical treatment remains the initial approach despite limited evidence of efficacy. For knee osteoarthritis, arthroscopy gives only a very small reduction in pain up to three months compared with conservative management.
However, mechanical problems like a locked knee from a bucket-handle meniscus tear or recurrent shoulder dislocation often need surgery to restore function.
A common belief
Patients often hope a quick operation will fix everything, but evidence shows arthroscopy gives only a small short-term benefit over conservative care for some conditions like knee osteoarthritis.
What actually happens
Mechanical locking or recurrent instability, however, usually need surgical correction.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Your surgeon will discuss the likely outcome with and without surgery, based on your specific condition. A trial of supervised physiotherapy for several weeks is common before considering arthroscopy.
If symptoms persist and imaging confirms a structural problem amenable to keyhole surgery, an operation may be the next step.
Can a torn meniscus be repaired or does it need trimming?
In short
A torn meniscus can often be repaired with stitches if the tear is in a zone with blood supply. At Jaipur Hospital, the surgeon decides during arthroscopy whether to repair or trim based on the tear pattern, location, tissue quality and your age. Repair preserves the cushioning function; trimming removes the damaged part when healing is unlikely.
In detail
Evidence shows that meniscus repair uses standard procedures including rasping, reduction and fixation with all-inside or outside-in techniques. In studies of vertical tears in the red-white zone, repair augmented with platelet-rich plasma achieved an 85% healing rate versus 47% without.
When repair is not possible, partial meniscectomy trims the torn fragment. All patients with unhealed menisci in one study underwent subsequent partial meniscectomies within 42 months. The choice depends on tear geometry, vascular zone and patient factors.
A common belief
Many patients assume repair is always possible.
What actually happens
In reality, only tears with good blood supply heal reliably. Trimming is common for complex or degenerative tears in the inner white zone.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Your surgeon will explain the likely approach after reviewing your MRI and examining the joint during arthroscopy. Repair typically needs a brace and restricted weight-bearing for several weeks; trimming allows faster return. The operation takes 30 minutes to 2 hours as day care or one night stay.
When is surgery necessary for a shoulder that keeps dislocating?
In short
Surgery is usually considered when the shoulder has dislocated repeatedly and non-surgical treatment has not restored stability. At Jaipur Hospital, the surgeon evaluates the number of dislocations, your age, activity level and any bone loss on imaging. Younger active patients with recurrent instability often benefit from arthroscopic stabilisation to repair the torn labrum and tighten the capsule.
In detail
Evidence shows anterior shoulder stabilisation is a surgical procedure to treat instability caused by general looseness or injury. Arthroscopic repair uses suture anchors to reattach the labrum. In studies, the recurrent instability rate after surgery was 8.5% with a revision rate of 3.7%.
For significant glenoid bone loss, a Latarjet procedure (open or arthroscopic) may be needed. The open Latarjet is the established standard for bone loss; arthroscopic Latarjet is a safe alternative but has a learning curve. Surgery is typically advised after failed conservative management.
A common belief
Some believe a single dislocation always needs surgery.
What actually happens
Guidelines recommend trying rehabilitation first. Surgery is reserved for recurrent instability or when bone loss makes the joint inherently unstable.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Your surgeon will review your dislocation history, imaging and functional demands at consultation. Arthroscopic stabilisation takes one to two hours under general anaesthesia with a nerve block. The arm is immobilised in a sling for 3 to 6 weeks. Physiotherapy starts around 6 weeks. Return to contact sports takes about 4 months.
What happens on the day of the arthroscopy operation?
In short
On the day of your arthroscopy at Jaipur Hospital, you will arrive at the surgical centre, complete admission paperwork, and meet the nursing and anaesthesia teams. The operation typically lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the joint and repair. Most patients go home the same day or stay one night.
In detail
Before surgery, you will have a pre-operative assessment including vital signs and a discussion with the anaesthetist about spinal or general anaesthesia, often combined with a nerve block for pain relief. You must fast for 6 to 12 hours beforehand.
In the operating theatre, the surgeon makes 2 to 3 small incisions around the joint, inserts an arthroscope with a camera, and performs the necessary repair such as meniscus trimming, ligament reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, capsular release, or loose body removal.
The incisions are closed with tape or stitches and a dressing is applied. After the procedure, you spend 1 to 2 hours in the recovery room while the team monitors your vital signs and manages pain.
A common belief
Patients often expect a long hospital stay and a big incision.
What actually happens
Arthroscopy uses 2 to 3 millimetre cuts, takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, and is usually day care. You walk out with a small dressing, not a large wound.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
You will need an attendant to drive you home because you cannot drive after anaesthesia. The nursing team will give you instructions on wound care, pain medication, ice application, and any brace or sling. A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled within 2 weeks for stitch removal and review.
What is the expected cost of arthroscopy in Jaipur?
In short
The typical cost range for arthroscopy at Jaipur Hospital is ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000, depending on the joint involved and the complexity of the repair. Knee arthroscopy tends to be at the lower end, while hip and shoulder procedures with extensive reconstruction are at the higher end.
In detail
Indian cost data shows knee arthroscopy averages ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000, shoulder arthroscopy ₹1,00,000 to ₹2,50,000, hip arthroscopy ₹90,000 to ₹2,50,000, and ankle arthroscopy ₹90,000 to ₹1,00,000.
The final amount depends on the specific procedure (diagnostic only, meniscus repair, ligament reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, capsular release, or loose body removal), implant or anchor costs, length of stay (day care or 1 night), and anaesthesia type.
Jaipur Hospital is empanelled under RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS, and major private insurers. The insurance desk verifies coverage before admission. Self-pay patients can discuss payment options.
A common belief
Patients sometimes compare prices from different hospitals without realising the package inclusions differ.
What actually happens
One quote may cover only the surgeon fee, another the full stay. Always ask what is included: implants, anaesthesia, physiotherapy, and follow-up.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Ask the admissions team for a detailed estimate after your surgeon decides the exact procedure. The estimate will list the surgical package, expected implants, and hospital stay. Additional charges may apply for extra implants, extended stay, or complications.
Which joints can be treated with arthroscopy?
In short
Arthroscopy can be performed on the knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, and elbow. At Jaipur Hospital, our orthopaedic surgeons routinely use keyhole techniques for these joints. The knee is the most common joint for arthroscopy, but the same principles apply to other joints where a small camera and instruments can be safely inserted.
In detail
Each joint has specific conditions that are suitable for arthroscopic treatment. The knee is often treated for meniscus tears, ligament injuries, and loose bodies. The shoulder can be stabilised after dislocation, and rotator cuff tears can be repaired.
The hip is accessed for femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears. The ankle allows removal of bony spurs and inflamed tissue. The elbow can be treated for stiffness and loose fragments.
Evidence confirms that a number of soft tissue and bony conditions can be treated arthroscopically in these joints, and that arthroscopy is available for ankles, hips, shoulders, wrists, and elbows.
A common belief
People often think keyhole surgery is only for knees.
What actually happens
In reality, the same small-camera approach works for shoulders, hips, ankles, and elbows, though the anatomy and instruments differ for each joint.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Your surgeon will decide whether your joint problem can be managed with arthroscopy after examining you and reviewing imaging. Some joints or conditions may need open surgery instead. Recovery time varies by joint and procedure.
What will the doctor ask and check at the first visit?
In short
At the first visit, the orthopaedic surgeon will ask about your symptoms, how they started, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect your daily life and sport. The surgeon will examine the joint for swelling, tenderness, range of movement, stability, and muscle strength. At Jaipur Hospital, this assessment guides whether you need scans or can start treatment straight away.
In detail
The history covers the mechanism of injury, duration of symptoms, previous treatments, and any past surgeries.
The physical examination includes looking for deformity, effusion, or muscle wasting, feeling for tenderness and warmth, measuring active and passive range of motion, and performing special tests for ligament stability, meniscus tears, impingement, or instability.
Evidence describes a comprehensive examination that includes inspection for alignment and effusion, palpation of bone and soft tissue, range of motion measurement, and specific tests such as the anterior drawer and talar tilt for ankle instability. The surgeon will also check for referred pain from the spine or hip.
A common belief
Patients sometimes expect an immediate MRI or surgery date.
What actually happens
In reality, a careful clinical examination often gives the diagnosis, and guidelines recommend trying non-surgical treatment first unless there is a clear mechanical block or instability.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Bring any X-rays, MRI reports, and a list of current medicines. Wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the joint. After the examination, the surgeon will explain the likely diagnosis, discuss whether further imaging is needed, and outline non-surgical and surgical options.
When is arthroscopy advised instead of medicines, injections or physiotherapy?
In short
Arthroscopy is usually advised when non-surgical treatments have not relieved your symptoms. At Jaipur Hospital, the surgeon will consider keyhole surgery if pain, swelling, locking or instability continue after a course of physiotherapy, medicines or steroid injections. The decision depends on your joint, the diagnosis and how much the problem affects daily life.
In detail
Evidence shows that healthcare providers typically recommend arthroscopy after other non-surgical treatments like steroid injections or physical therapy have not completely solved the issues. For knee, shoulder, hip, ankle or elbow problems, the surgeon first confirms the diagnosis with imaging and examination.
If the condition is mechanical such as a meniscus tear, loose body, ligament tear or recurrent dislocation, and conservative care has failed, arthroscopy allows direct visualisation and repair through small incisions. The procedure is also used for diagnosis when imaging is inconclusive.
A common belief
Many people expect surgery to be the first option.
What actually happens
In fact, guidelines recommend trying conservative care first. Surgery is considered only when symptoms persist and a mechanical problem is confirmed.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Your surgeon will review your history, imaging and response to previous treatment at the consultation. If arthroscopy is indicated, the operation takes 30 minutes to 2 hours under spinal or general anaesthesia with a nerve block.
Most patients go home the same day or stay one night. Recovery involves physiotherapy and a gradual return to activity.
FAQ library
Questions and answers about arthroscopy (keyhole joint surgery)
When you contact us
Get a clear plan and cost estimate
Contact Jaipur Hospital for an OPD consultation — your scans reviewed, options explained, and help with cashless schemes.
- A consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon in the OPD
- Your scans and reports reviewed, with tests done in-house if you need them (laboratory, X-ray and imaging)
- Your options explained in plain words, including whether you need surgery at all
- A cost estimate before you decide
- Help with cashless treatment under RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS and empanelled insurers and TPAs
- Follow-up visits after your treatment
Overview
Arthroscopy (Keyhole Joint Surgery): what to know
What arthroscopy (keyhole joint surgery) is and how it helps
Arthroscopy is a way to look inside a joint and treat problems through very small cuts. A thin tube with a camera and light, called an arthroscope, is inserted through a cut about 2 to 3 millimetres wide. The camera sends pictures to a screen so the surgeon can see the joint clearly. If a repair is needed, tiny instruments go through other small cuts.
This is used for:
- The knee
- Shoulder
- Hip
- Ankle and elbow
The small cuts heal faster than a large open incision. Most people go home the same day or after one night in hospital. Your surgeon will explain which joint problem can be treated this way and what the operation involves for you.
Symptoms that lead to arthroscopy and warning signs needing same-day care
- High temperature Feel hot, cold or shivery
- Severe joint pain Increasing pain after operation
- Smelly liquid from cut Possible wound infection
- Severe swelling or redness Around the operated joint
- Numbness or tingling Near the operated joint
You may be referred for arthroscopy when you have joint pain, swelling, stiffness or a feeling that the joint locks or gives way.
Common problems include:
- A torn meniscus or ligament in the knee
- A torn rotator cuff or repeated dislocation in the shoulder
- Femoroacetabular impingement or labral tear in the hip
- Bony spurs or loose fragments in the ankle or elbow
After the operation, contact the hospital straight away if you notice a high temperature or feel hot, cold or shivery; severe or increasing joint pain; smelly liquid leaking from the cut; severe swelling or redness around the joint; or numbness or tingling near the operated joint. These can be signs of infection or a blood clot and need urgent assessment.
Causes and who is at higher risk of joint problems needing arthroscopy
- Sudden injury
- Sports tackle or fall can damage the joint
- Gradual wear and tear
- Cumulative load leads to osteoarthritis
- Frozen shoulder
- May start without a clear cause or after immobility
- Higher risk factors
- Diabetes, thyroid disorders, smoking, previous surgery, clotting history
Joint damage can come from a sudden injury such as a sports tackle or fall, or from gradual wear and tear over time. Osteoarthritis develops from cumulative wear on the joint. Frozen shoulder may start without a clear cause or follow a period of immobility, and it is more common in people with diabetes or thyroid disorders.
People who play sports that involve twisting, pivoting or repeated overhead motion are more likely to tear ligaments, tendons or cartilage. Previous joint surgery, a family history of clotting disorders, smoking and uncontrolled diabetes can affect healing and may increase the risk of complications.
How the problem is diagnosed: examination and tests
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine the joint. They check movement, stability, tenderness and swelling.
For the ankle, a detailed examination includes checking:
- Alignment
- Joint effusion
- Soft tissue swelling
- Tenderness at specific points
- Range of motion
- Nerve sensation
- Stability tests
For frozen shoulder, diagnosis is based on the pattern of pain and a marked loss of passive external rotation.
Imaging usually starts with weight-bearing X-rays. MRI is often used to see soft tissue tears, cartilage damage or bone oedema. CT scans can help plan surgery for bony lesions. Ultrasound is sometimes used for soft tissue assessment and guided injections. If imaging is not conclusive, diagnostic arthroscopy itself can confirm the problem.
Treatment options without surgery and when arthroscopy is advised
Most joint problems are managed without surgery first.
This includes:
- Rest
- Activity modification
- Physiotherapy
- Pain relief medicines
- Sometimes steroid injections
For frozen shoulder, a structured home exercise programme with a steroid injection is often tried first. For ankle impingement, initial care includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medicines and sometimes a cast or boot.
Arthroscopy is usually considered when non-surgical treatment has not relieved your symptoms, when the problem affects daily activities or sport, and when examination and imaging findings match your complaints. Your surgeon will discuss whether keyhole surgery is appropriate for your condition and what the expected benefits and risks are for you.
Preparing for arthroscopy surgery
Do
- Bring medicine list
- Stop blood thinners if told
- Fast for 6 to 12 hours
- Arrange attendant for 24 hours
- Wear loose clothing
- Prepare home for recovery
Before your arthroscopy, you will meet your surgeon and the anaesthesia team. They will review your medical history, current medicines, and any allergies. Bring a list of every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, and supplement you take. Blood thinners and certain pain medicines may need to be stopped or adjusted before surgery to reduce bleeding risk.
You will have pre-operative tests such as blood tests and sometimes an ECG or imaging like X-rays or MRI to confirm the joint problem.
You must not eat or drink anything except water for usually 6 to 12 hours before the operation. The exact fasting time will be confirmed by your care team.
Arrange for an attendant to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours, as you cannot drive after anaesthesia.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the joint being operated on.
Prepare your home for recovery: set up a resting area, keep essential items within reach, remove tripping hazards, and have ice packs and any prescribed medicines ready.
How arthroscopy is done
- Small cuts made 2 to 5 millimetres near the joint
- Camera inserted Arthroscope sends pictures to screen
- Instruments used Repair done through other cuts
- Cuts closed Stitches or tape and dressing applied
Arthroscopy is a keyhole operation. The surgeon makes two or three small cuts, each about 2 to 5 millimetres long, near the joint. A thin tube with a camera and light (arthroscope) is inserted through one cut. The camera sends pictures of the inside of the joint to a screen. Sterile fluid may be pumped into the joint to expand it for a clearer view.
Through the other cuts, the surgeon passes small instruments to diagnose and repair the problem. The technique used depends on what is found:
- Diagnostic arthroscopy: looking inside the joint to confirm the problem.
- Meniscus repair or trimming: stitching a torn knee cartilage or trimming the torn part when it cannot heal.
- Ligament reconstruction: rebuilding a torn ACL or PCL with a graft.
- Shoulder stabilisation and rotator cuff repair: repairing torn shoulder tissue after dislocation or a torn tendon.
- Capsular release: freeing a stiff (frozen) shoulder or elbow.
- Loose body removal and debridement: removing loose fragments or damaged tissue from the knee, ankle, hip or elbow.
The operation usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the joint and the repair needed.
Anaesthesia is usually spinal or general, often combined with a nerve block to numb the area. The anaesthetist will discuss the options with you beforehand.
At the end, the instruments are removed, the cuts are closed with stitches or tape, and a dressing is applied.
Risks and complications of arthroscopy
- less than 1 in 1,000 Knee death risk
- about 5 in 1,000 Knee blood clot risk
- about 2 in 1,000 Knee infection risk
- 3.4% to 9% Ankle complication rate
- about 0.6% Hip major complications
- about 7.5% Hip minor complications
Arthroscopy is generally safe, but like any operation it carries risks. In large studies of knee arthroscopy, the risk of death was less than 1 in 1,000 patients. The risk of a blood clot in the veins (venous thromboembolism) was about 5 in 1,000. Infection occurred in about 2 in 1,000 knee arthroscopies. Nerve damage was very rare, less than 1 in 1,000.
For ankle arthroscopy, the overall complication rate in studies ranged from 3.4% to 9%. The most common problems were temporary numbness or tingling over the top of the foot from minor nerve injury, and temporary Achilles tendon tightness. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are rare.
For hip arthroscopy, major complications occurred in about 0.6% of cases and minor complications in about 7.5%. The most common minor issues were muscle soreness and temporary nerve irritation. Hip joint infection after surgery was reported in a small number of cases.
About 5.8% of patients needed a repeat arthroscopy and 5.5% went on to need a hip replacement within a few years.
For shoulder stabilisation surgery, there is a small risk of infection, a small risk from general anaesthesia, a small chance the shoulder becomes unstable again, and a small risk of nerve injury. Frozen shoulder capsular release carries a higher risk of complications than manipulation under anaesthesia, though both are generally low.
General risks include:
- Wound leakage for a few days
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Scarring
Smoking significantly delays healing and increases complication rates; your surgeon may decline to operate unless you stop smoking before and during recovery. Diabetes and rheumatoid disease also increase risks.
Contact the hospital urgently if you develop a high temperature, feel hot and shivery, have severe or increasing joint pain, smelly fluid leaking from the wound, severe swelling or redness, or numbness and tingling around the joint.
Recovery and aftercare after arthroscopy
- 1 to 2 days Gentle exercises start such as ankle pumps and quad sets
- Within a week Physiotherapy usually begins within a week
- Few days to a week Return to desk work often possible
- At least 2 weeks Driving allowed when you can perform an emergency stop safely
- 6 weeks Low-impact activities may resume around 6 weeks
- 3 to 4 months or more Contact or high-impact sports often need 3 to 4 months or more
After the operation you will spend one to two hours in the recovery room. Most patients go home the same day; some stay one night.
Your joint will be painful and stiff at first. Painkillers such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines help. Ice packs wrapped in a towel for 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours reduce swelling.
Keep the operated limb raised above groin level when sitting to reduce swelling. Wear a compression stocking if given one. Keep dressings dry and intact until your clinician tells you to remove them.
You will usually wear a sling, brace, splint or boot depending on the joint and repair. For shoulder stabilisation the sling is worn for 3 to 6 weeks. Crutches may be needed for a short time after knee, hip or ankle arthroscopy.
Gentle exercises start within 1 to 2 days:
- Ankle pumps
- Quad sets
- Straight leg raises
- Gradual weight-bearing as tolerated
Physiotherapy usually begins within a week and continues for several weeks to months. A physiotherapist will guide you through a programme tailored to your repair.
Return to desk work is often possible within a few days to a week. Jobs involving standing, walking or heavy lifting may need 2 to 6 weeks off.
Driving is allowed when you can perform an emergency stop safely and are not taking strong painkillers. This is usually at least 2 weeks after surgery, sometimes longer for right leg or shoulder operations.
Return to sport varies: low-impact activities may resume around 6 weeks, contact or high-impact sports often need 3 to 4 months or more. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will advise based on your progress.
Results of arthroscopy: how well it works
- 85% with PRP augmentation vs 47% without Knee meniscus repair healing
- 10 points more improvement than physiotherapy alone at 8 months Hip arthroscopy quality of life
- 74% to 100% reported good to excellent satisfaction Ankle arthroscopy satisfaction
- Overall return to sport rate about 89% Shoulder stabilisation return to sport
In studies, most patients report good or excellent outcomes after arthroscopy. For knee meniscus repair, healing rates of 85% have been reported with PRP augmentation compared to 47% without. Overall, 92% of meniscus tears healed in one series.
For hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement, patients randomised to surgery improved their hip-related quality of life scores by about 10 points more than those having physiotherapy alone at 8 months. At 12 months, the surgery group showed a mean improvement of 6.8 points on the iHOT-33 score, exceeding the minimum clinically important difference. About 88% of patients returned to sport after hip arthroscopy.
For ankle arthroscopy, 74% to 100% of patients reported good to excellent satisfaction, and 94% to 97% said they would have the procedure again. AOFAS ankle scores improved from 34–75 pre-operatively to 83.5–92 post-operatively.
For shoulder stabilisation (Latarjet procedure), the overall return to sport rate was about 89%, with 73% returning to the same level. Recurrent instability occurred in about 2% to 8% of cases depending on the study.
For frozen shoulder, arthroscopic capsular release and manipulation under anaesthesia both improve Oxford Shoulder Scores. At 12 months the mean score was 40.3 after capsular release and 38.3 after manipulation. Capsular release may shorten the clinical course of frozen shoulder.
Re-operation rates after hip arthroscopy are around 5.5% to 6.3%, most often for conversion to hip replacement. After knee arthroscopy, the risk of needing a knee replacement within one year was 1.9 times higher than with conservative care, though the absolute risk remained low.
Outcomes depend on the specific problem, the repair performed, and how well you follow rehabilitation. Your surgeon will discuss what results are realistic for you.
Cost and insurance for arthroscopy in Jaipur
The typical price range for arthroscopy in India is ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000. The exact cost depends on which joint is operated on, the type of repair, the implants or grafts used, the length of stay, and whether it is a day-case or overnight admission.
Jaipur Hospital is a NABH-accredited multispeciality hospital.
We accept:
- RGHS
- MAA Yojana
- CGHS
- A panel of private insurers and TPAs
Arthroscopy for traumatic injuries is covered by most health insurance policies. Degenerative conditions may also be covered if they cause functional impairment.
Our insurance desk verifies your coverage before the procedure. For self-paying patients, 0% EMI options are available through partner finance providers.
Please ask us for a detailed estimate based on your specific procedure and insurance plan.
