What are the risks and complications of knee arthroscopy?

Common and usually temporary

• Swelling and fluid in the knee, which can last for weeks, especially after more involved procedures
• Stiffness and weakness of the thigh muscle in the early weeks
• Bruising around the knee and down the shin
• A small patch of numbness beside a scar, from tiny skin nerves, which often fades over months

Less common but important

• Infection of a wound or, rarely, of the joint itself
• Blood clots in the leg veins, and rarely in the lungs
• Bleeding into the joint
• Persistent pain or stiffness needing further treatment
• Problems related to anaesthesia, which the anaesthetist discusses beforehand

The risk also depends on what is done through the scope. A simple trim carries fewer risks than a repair or ligament reconstruction, and personal factors such as diabetes, smoking and obesity add risk.

How risks are reduced

Careful assessment before surgery, antibiotics at the time of the operation, sterile technique, early walking, ankle exercises and, for some patients, blood-thinning medicine all lower the risk. In Qatar, staying well hydrated in the heat and planning long flights carefully after surgery help reduce clot risk.

Warning signs after arthroscopy

Seek urgent advice for fever, a hot and increasingly red knee, wound discharge, a painful swollen calf, chest pain or breathlessness, or pain that is getting worse rather than better. Contact Dr. Gelber's team at Aman Hospital in Doha, or go to emergency care for chest pain or breathing problems.