Orthopedic Treatments
Joint replacement, sports medicine, arthroscopy, and spinal surgery.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery in Istanbul
Arthroscopic knee surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that allows orthopaedic surgeons to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee conditions through small incisions using a fibre-optic camera and specialised instruments. At Memorial, Acıbadem, and American Hospital in Istanbul, fellowship-trained sports medicine and knee surgery specialists perform thousands of arthroscopic procedures annually with excellent outcomes.
The arthroscope — a pencil-thin instrument with a miniature camera — is inserted through a small incision (typically 5-7 mm), projecting a magnified, high-definition view of the knee interior onto a monitor. This allows the surgeon to visualise and treat problems with remarkable precision while minimising damage to surrounding tissues.
Conditions Treated Arthroscopically
- Meniscus tears — repair or partial meniscectomy
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) repair
- Articular cartilage damage — microfracture, chondroplasty
- Loose body removal
- Synovial plica syndrome and synovitis
- Patellar realignment and lateral release
ACL reconstruction is among the most frequently performed arthroscopic procedures. Using autograft tendons (hamstring or patellar tendon) or allograft tissue, the surgeon reconstructs the torn ligament through arthroscopic portals. Modern ACL reconstruction techniques, including anatomic single-bundle and double-bundle methods, restore knee stability and allow return to sports.
Arthroscopic knee surgery is typically performed as a day-case or with a single overnight stay. Most patients walk with crutches on the same day and begin physiotherapy within days. Recovery time varies by procedure — simple meniscus surgery may allow return to normal activities in 2-3 weeks, while ACL reconstruction requires 4-6 months of structured rehabilitation.
The cost of arthroscopic knee surgery in Istanbul is typically 60-70% less than in the UK, making it an excellent option for patients facing long NHS waiting lists or seeking affordable private care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the recovery after meniscus surgery?
Simple meniscus trimming (partial meniscectomy) typically allows return to desk work within 1-2 weeks and full activities within 3-4 weeks. Meniscus repair requires a slower rehabilitation with restricted weight-bearing for 4-6 weeks, as the repaired tissue needs time to heal.
When can I return to sports after ACL reconstruction?
Return to competitive sports typically requires 6-9 months of structured rehabilitation. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will guide progression based on strength testing, functional assessments, and sport-specific criteria before clearing you for return to play.
Is arthroscopic surgery performed under general anaesthesia?
Arthroscopic knee surgery can be performed under general anaesthesia, spinal anaesthesia, or regional nerve block. The choice depends on the specific procedure, your preference, and the anaesthesiologist's recommendation. All options provide complete comfort during the procedure.
Treatment Overview
Duration
1-2 hours
Recovery Time
2-6 weeks
Price Range
£2,000 - £4,000
Benefits
- Minimally invasive surgery through 5-7 mm incisions
- Comprehensive treatment for meniscus, ligament, and cartilage conditions
- Fellowship-trained sports medicine and knee surgery specialists
- Same-day mobilisation with rapid recovery
- ACL reconstruction with modern anatomic techniques
- 60-70% cost savings versus UK private arthroscopic surgery
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