What is Arthroscopic Surgery? A Minimally Invasive Approach

Arthroscopy is a modern surgical technique that has revolutionized how orthopedic surgeons treat joint issues. It allows for detailed examination and treatment of the joint’s interior through tiny incisions. Instead of traditional open surgery, arthroscopy uses a small camera (arthroscope) and precision instruments inserted through these “keyhole” incisions. It’s an ideal approach for treating ligament tears, cartilage damage, and joint instability caused by sports injuries, significantly reducing invasiveness.

Why Choose Arthroscopic Surgery for Your Knee Injury? The WIH Advantage

Traditional open surgery often involves larger incisions, more pain, and longer recovery times. At WIH International Hospital in Bangkok, our expert orthopedic surgeons prioritize minimally invasive arthroscopic knee surgery for a multitude of benefits:

Precision and Accuracy: Using a tiny camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments, our surgeons gain a magnified, crystal-clear view inside your knee joint. This allows for incredibly precise diagnosis and targeted treatment, even for complex injuries like ACL reconstruction or meniscus repair.

Smaller Incisions, Less Pain: Arthroscopy involves only a few small incisions, meaning significantly less trauma to surrounding tissues compared to open surgery. This translates to reduced post-operative pain and discomfort, enhancing your recovery experience.

Faster Recovery & Return to Activity: With minimal tissue disruption, you can expect a quicker healing process. Many patients experience a faster return to daily activities and, with dedicated rehabilitation, often return to their sport sooner. This is a key benefit for sports injury knee patients.

Reduced Risk of Complications: Smaller incisions mean a lower risk of infection and less blood loss.

Minimal Scarring: The tiny incisions result in inconspicuous, aesthetically pleasing, and minimal scarring.

This modern approach ensures optimal outcomes, getting you back to peak performance with confidence.

Understanding Ligament Injuries to the Knee and the Need for Arthroscopy

The knee joint is a complex structure, reliant on a network of ligaments for stability and smooth movement. These strong, fibrous bands connect bones to other bones, acting like ropes that prevent excessive motion. When these ligaments are stretched or torn due to sudden twists, impacts, or hyperextension during sports, it can lead to significant pain, instability, and an inability to bear weight. This often necessitates arthroscopic knee surgery.

Common Knee Ligament Injuries We Frequently Treat:

• Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears: One of the most common and debilitating knee ligament injuries, often occurring during sports that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or awkward landings (e.g., football, basketball, skiing). An ACL tear can cause the knee to “give way” and frequently requires ACL reconstruction.
• Meniscus Tears: The menisci are C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers between your shinbone and thighbone. Twisting motions, deep squats, or direct impact can tear the meniscus, leading to knee pain, swelling, and locking or catching sensations in the knee. Often requires meniscus repair.
• Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Tears: Less common than ACL tears, PCL injuries usually result from a direct blow to the front of the knee while it’s bent, such as in a car accident or a football tackle.
• Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Tears: Often caused by a direct blow to the outside of the knee, pushing the knee inward. MCL injuries are frequently treated non-surgically, but severe cases may require repair.
• Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL) Tears: Occur from a blow to the inside of the knee, pushing the knee outward. LCL injuries are less common than MCL tears.

While some minor sprains may heal with conservative treatments, significant tears or complete ruptures of crucial ligaments often require surgical intervention to restore stability and function. This is where advanced arthroscopic knee surgery becomes not just beneficial, but often necessary for a full recovery and safe return to sports.

Types of Knee Sports Injuries We Treat with Arthroscopy

ACL Reconstruction (Knee): The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) helps stabilize your knee. Whether torn from sudden impact or overuse, we offer arthroscopic reconstruction to restore joint strength and prevent long-term damage, crucial for knee instability.

Meniscus Repair: A meniscus tear is one of the most common knee injuries. Our orthopedic team performs precise arthroscopic repair to reduce pain and preserve knee function.

Combined ACL + Meniscus Surgery: For patients with multiple knee injuries, we offer combined procedures, saving time and improving recovery outcomes.

All-Inclusive Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Packages at WIH Hospital, Bangkok

We provide transparent pricing and world-class service from consultation to recovery, right here in Bangkok.

What’s Included in Your All-Inclusive Package?

We’ve designed our packages to cover every essential step of your surgical journey for arthroscopic knee surgery:

• Expert Pre-Operative Assessment: Includes comprehensive consultations with our orthopedic specialists, necessary X-rays/MRI, and lab tests to ensure a precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
• Comfortable Hospital Stay: Enjoy a 3-day/2-night stay in a private recovery room, providing a tranquil environment for your initial healing.
• All-Inclusive Medical Expenses: Covers surgery fees, anesthesia, essential medications, and surgical supplies – with no hidden costs.
• Post-Operative Support: Provision of a medical brace or sling as needed, depending on your specific procedure.
• Home Medications: Essential medications are provided upon discharge for continued comfort and healing.
• Follow-up Care: A complimentary follow-up appointment with the surgeon to monitor your progress.

All procedures are performed by our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons using state-of-the-art, minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques for superior outcomes and accelerated recovery.

Recovery Journey: What to Expect After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

At WIH International Hospital, we believe in a holistic approach to healing for your arthroscopic knee surgery. While recovery times vary based on the specific injury and procedure, arthroscopic surgery generally offers a faster path back to activity.

• Immediate Post-Op: Expect some mild pain and swelling, managed effectively with prescribed medication, ice, and elevation. Depending on the procedure, you may use crutches for support.
• Early Recovery (Weeks 1-4): Focus on gentle movements, light daily activities, and consistent physical therapy to regain range of motion and reduce stiffness. Your stitches are typically removed within 7-10 days. This phase is crucial for knee rehabilitation.
• Building Strength (Weeks 4-8): Physical therapy intensifies, introducing strengthening exercises. Low-impact activities like cycling or swimming may be incorporated.
• Return to Activity (Beyond 8 Weeks): Gradual progression to moderate physical activity, with your surgeon’s and physiotherapist’s guidance on returning to sports. Full return to competitive sports can range from 3 to 9 months, especially for complex procedures like ACL reconstruction.

Expert Orthopedic Team at WIH Hospital, Bangkok

Our board-certified orthopedic knee surgeons bring years of experience in sports medicine and arthroscopic knee surgery. Each procedure is performed with precision, care, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for our patients. You’re in trusted hands every step of the way in Bangkok.

Important Note on Pricing & Insurance Coordination

The attractive package prices listed above are designed for self-pay patients making payments in cash or via direct bank transfer.

If you plan to utilize insurance coverage from providers such as AIA, Prudential, AIG, etc., we encourage you to contact our UR Nurse Team in advance. They are dedicated to assisting you with insurance coordination and will provide a customized quotation based on your specific policy, ensuring a smooth and clear financial process.