Arthroscopic (“Keyhole”) Knee Surgery

Arthroscopic knee surgery – commonly known as “keyhole” surgery – is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat a range of internal knee problems, like torn meniscus, ligament damage and arthritis.

Using a small camera (arthroscope) inserted through tiny incisions, the surgeon can visualise, assess, and treat damaged structures inside the knee with remarkable precision.

With over 15 years of experience and specialist training in lower-limb orthopaedics, Dr Anthony Keeley performs arthroscopic surgery for both younger athletes and older patients, particularly to manage meniscal tears, cartilage damage, and related joint disorders. The technique allows for reduced pain, faster recovery, and minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery.

Conditions Treated by Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

The meniscus is a crescent-shaped cartilage structure that helps transfer load evenly from the shin bone (tibia) to the thigh bone (femur). Tears can occur due to sports injuries or age-related degeneration.

  • Symptoms: Pain on either side of the knee, swelling, locking or catching sensation, difficulty squatting or twisting
  • Causes: Twisting injury during sport, awkward pivoting, deep squatting, and tissue weakening with age
  • Risks: Sensation of joint instability, accelerated arthritis, long-term mechanical symptoms
  • Investigations: MRI
  • Treatment Options:
    • Non-operative management (i.e: rest, painkillers, anti-inflammatories, injections, physiotherapy)
    • Arthroscopic meniscus repair in patients with repairable tears
    • Partial meniscectomy to trim damaged tissue in degenerative cases, or cases where a meniscal flap is “stuck” or unstable

Dr Keeley prioritises meniscal preservation (repair) wherever possible, as retaining the meniscus is crucial for long-term joint health.

The articular cartilage is the smooth lining on the bones in the knee that allows the joint surfaces to glide over each other easily during movement. Damage to this surface can lead to pain, inflammation, and early arthritis.

  • Symptoms: Deep knee pain, swelling after activity, stiffness, catching or clicking
  • Causes: Sports trauma, repetitive overuse, degenerative wear, or associated ligament injuries
  • Risks: Progression to osteoarthritis, impaired mobility, chronic pain
  • Investigations: X-rays, MRI
  • Treatment Options:
    • Physiotherapy and activity modification
    • Arthroscopic debridement to smooth rough surfaces and remove unstable / loose cartilage fragments
    • Microfracture surgery to stimulate fibro-cartilage formation in small defects
    • Cartilage repair, transplantation or grafting in selected cases

Dr Keeley uses arthroscopic techniques to precisely assess cartilage damage and intervene early, helping to reduce long-term joint deterioration and maintain function.

Loose fragments of bone or cartilage may float within the joint, causing mechanical symptoms and inflammation. These are commonly seen in conditions such as osteochondritis dissecans or following trauma.

  • Symptoms: Locking, catching, grinding, or unpredictable pain
  • Causes: Joint degeneration, cartilage flaking, previous injury
  • Risks: Joint surface wear, inflammation, giving way episodes
  • Investigations: X-rays, MRI
  • Treatment Options:
    • Arthroscopic removal of loose bodies to restore smooth joint motion
    • Synovectomy (removal of inflamed joint lining) if needed

Benefits of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery has become the gold standard for treating many internal knee conditions due to its safety, efficiency, and minimal recovery time. Compared to open surgery, the benefits include:

  • Smaller incisions and less tissue trauma
  • Reduced post-operative pain and swelling
  • Lower risk of complications such as infection or stiffness
  • Faster return to daily activity, sport or work
  • Accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment in the same procedure
  • Minimal scarring and faster wound healing

Dr Keeley routinely performs arthroscopic procedures at leading hospitals in the St George and Sutherland Shire region, offering evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s age, activity level, and lifestyle goals.

Whether you are a young athlete with a traumatic knee injury or an older patient with early degenerative changes, arthroscopic knee surgery can provide lasting relief and improve joint function with minimal disruption to your life.

Dedicated to Clinical Excellence & Patient Care

Dr Anthony Keeley combines surgical precision with a patient-centred approach, ensuring every individual receives personalised care from initial consultation through to recovery.

With a commitment to clinical excellence, clear communication, and long-term outcomes, he strives to deliver the highest standard of orthopaedic care in a supportive and professional environment.