Knee arthroscopy

Persistent knee pain can make everyday movement difficult. Novant Health joint and sports medicine specialists offer knee arthroscopy, including arthroscopic debridement, to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems with a minimally invasive approach. Our team works with you to build a treatment plan suited to your knee, your activity level and your recovery goals.

Find a specialist

Find a location

What is knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows an orthopedic specialist to look inside your knee joint using a small camera called an arthroscope. Through a few small incisions, your specialist can view the joint in detail and treat many problems without the need for a larger, open surgery.

One common type of knee arthroscopy is arthroscopic debridement, sometimes called knee debridement or joint debridement. During this procedure, your specialist removes damaged cartilage, loose tissue or inflamed lining from the joint to help reduce pain and improve movement.

Knee arthroscopy may be recommended when imaging and a physical exam point to a joint problem that could benefit from direct visualization and treatment, especially when nonsurgical options haven't provided enough relief.

Medical illustration of knee joint anatomy used to explain a knee arthroscopy procedure.

A closer look at knee arthroscopy

Understand knee arthroscopy basics, from knee anatomy and common problems to what the procedure can and cannot treat, plus what to expect before and after.

Videos in our patient education library are available to help you gain a general understanding of the condition or procedure. Read disclaimer.

Common reasons for knee arthroscopy

Your specialist may recommend knee arthroscopy if you're dealing with ongoing knee symptoms that affect your daily life. Common reasons include:

Persistent knee pain or swelling that hasn't improved with rest or therapy
Knee catching, locking or clicking during movement
Damaged or torn cartilage that may benefit from arthroscopic debridement
Loose fragments of cartilage or tissue within the joint
Inflamed joint lining causing pain and stiffness
Limited range of motion that affects walking, bending or other everyday activities

Treatment options (surgical and nonsurgical)

Treatment for knee problems depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Options include:

Nonsurgical

Rest, bracing, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication or joint injections may relieve symptoms for many patients before surgery is considered.

Surgical

Knee arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure that lets your specialist examine and treat the joint through small incisions.
Arthroscopic debridement: A type of knee arthroscopy that removes damaged cartilage, loose tissue or inflamed lining to reduce pain and support smoother joint movement.
Additional arthroscopic repairs: Depending on what your specialist finds during the procedure, additional treatment such as smoothing rough cartilage or removing loose bodies may be performed at the same time.

Your care team will help you understand which option fits your knee condition, symptoms and lifestyle.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Recovery from knee arthroscopy, including arthroscopic debridement, varies based on the extent of the procedure and your overall health. In general, patients can expect:

Some swelling and discomfort in the days following the procedure, managed with rest, ice and elevation
A gradual return to weight-bearing activity as directed by your specialist
Physical therapy to rebuild strength, flexibility and range of motion in the knee
Follow-up visits to monitor healing and adjust your recovery plan as needed
A return to normal activities that typically happens sooner than with open knee surgery, though timelines vary by patient

Your care team will provide a personalized recovery timeline and guide you through each stage of rehabilitation.

Risks and considerations

As with any procedure, knee arthroscopy carries some risks, including infection, blood clots, stiffness or continued pain. Your specialist will review your medical history and discuss these considerations with you before moving forward with treatment.

Your care team is here to answer any questions you have and help you feel informed and prepared every step of the way.

Conditions we treat

Our expert team delivers expert care for a wide range of joint injuries and conditions.

View conditions

Why treatment is important?

Untreated knee problems can limit your mobility and make everyday activities more difficult over time. Addressing knee pain and joint damage early can support better function, comfort and quality of life.

Is joint pain holding you back?

It only takes a few minutes to help you stay active for years. Our joint health quiz shows you how to stay strong, flexible and moving freely through every stage of life.

Take the next step

Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.