Risks of Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is commonly performed as a day surgery procedure, but every operation has risks. The risk profile depends on the patient, the condition being treated, and whether additional procedures are performed.
Possible risks
- Persistent pain or swelling
- Stiffness or loss of motion
- Infection
- Bleeding or hemarthrosis
- Blood clot in the leg or lung
- Nerve or blood vessel injury
- Wound-healing problems
- Failure of repair or recurrent tearing
- Progression of underlying arthritis
- Need for further surgery
Patients with established osteoarthritis may continue to have symptoms after arthroscopy because the arthritic joint surface, rather than the meniscus alone, may be the main pain generator.