Knee Arthroscopy: An Alternative To Knee Replacement Surgery? (Lianhe Wanbao)

Dr Tan Chyn Hong shared with Lianhe Wanbao on knee arthroscopy and how it can possibly be an alternative to knee replacement surgery.

Unlike the knee replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure with smaller incisions involved and a much faster recovery time. It can help to prevent the need for a patient to undergo a knee replacement surgery, or simply just delay the need. Typically, a knee replacement can only last 15-20 years. Hence, it is helpful to delay the need to undergo the surgery so that the patient do not need to undergo a second and more complex replacement surgery.

What Is Knee Arthroscopy Suitable For?

• Repair meniscus tear
• Removal of corpora libra (loose fragments in joint due to severe arthritis)
• Repair worn cartilage (not too severe)

Most importantly, Dr Tan advises everyone to seek treatment for leg injuries as soon as possible to prevent more serious complications requiring more major operations.