Sports Injuries & Arthroscopy in Chandigarh

Arthroscopic surgery uses a camera the diameter of a pen and instruments through incisions smaller than a centimetre. No large cuts, no extensive muscle damage. Most knee arthroscopic procedures at ARV Hospital are done as day-care — you arrive in the morning and go home in the evening.

ACL Tear

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly torn ligament in the knee. It happens in a pivot, a landing, a sudden direction change. The knee gives way. Often there is a pop, followed by rapid swelling.

ACL reconstruction replaces the torn ligament with a tendon graft — usually hamstring or patellar tendon, taken from your own body. The procedure is fully arthroscopic. Recovery to return to sport is 6–9 months with a structured rehabilitation programme. Dr. Malhotra coordinates with physiotherapists for the full recovery arc.

Meniscus Tear

The menisci are the shock-absorbing cartilage pads in the knee. They tear with twisting injuries or in older patients simply through degeneration. Symptoms: locking, clicking, swelling, pain along the joint line.

Repair is preferred in younger patients with tears in the vascular zone — the part of the meniscus that has blood supply and can heal. Recovery: 3–4 months.
Partial meniscectomy (removal of the torn fragment) is done for degenerative tears or tears that cannot be repaired. Recovery: 4–6 weeks.

Cartilage Injuries

Articular cartilage — the smooth surface coating the joint — has almost no ability to self-repair. Injuries range from surface softening (chondromalacia) to full-thickness defects reaching bone.

Microfracture — creates channels in bone to stimulate fibrocartilage healing. Suitable for small defects.
OATS (Osteochondral Autograft Transfer) — transfers a cylinder of healthy cartilage from a low-load area to the defect. Better long-term results for medium-sized defects.
ACI (Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation) — for large defects. Cells are harvested, cultured, and re-implanted. Dr. Malhotra advises the appropriate technique based on defect size and patient age.

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Arthroscopic shoulder surgery at ARV Hospital covers: rotator cuff tears (repair or debridement), shoulder instability (Bankart repair for recurrent dislocations), SLAP lesions, and subacromial impingement. Recovery is faster than open shoulder surgery and most procedures are day-care.

Other procedures

PCL reconstruction — for posterior cruciate ligament tears causing knee instability.
Ankle arthroscopy — for osteochondral lesions, impingement, and chronic instability.
Plica excision, lateral release, synovectomy — for chronic knee pain unresponsive to physiotherapy.

Frequently asked questions

Do all ACL tears need surgery?+

Not always. Older, less active patients with a complete ACL tear can sometimes manage with physiotherapy and bracing if they are willing to modify their activity. For athletes, young patients, and anyone wanting to return to pivoting sports, reconstruction is strongly recommended. A knee without an ACL is unstable and at high risk of further cartilage and meniscus damage with continued activity.

How soon after injury should I have ACL surgery?+

Operating too soon (within 2 weeks) when there is significant swelling increases the risk of stiffness. We typically recommend waiting 4–6 weeks for swelling to resolve and range of motion to return, then proceeding with reconstruction. Waiting longer is also fine — as long as the patient is not playing sport on the unstable knee.

Will I be able to play sport again after meniscus surgery?+

After partial meniscectomy, return to sport is typically 4–6 weeks. After meniscus repair, return to sport is 3–4 months, but the long-term outcome is better since the meniscus is preserved. Removing meniscal tissue increases long-term arthritis risk; we always try to repair when possible.

Is arthroscopy painful?+

Arthroscopic surgery is done under regional or general anaesthesia, so there is no pain during the procedure. Post-operative discomfort is significantly less than open surgery — most patients manage with oral painkillers for 3–5 days. Swelling is the main symptom in the first 2 weeks.

Can I exercise before my arthroscopy appointment?+

Yes. Pre-operative physiotherapy (prehab) to maintain muscle strength around the knee improves post-operative outcomes. Avoid activities that cause sharp pain, locking, or giving-way. Swimming and straight-line walking are generally safe.