Arthroscopy & Sports Surgery

Arthroscopy & Sports Surgery at CritiCare Asia Hospitals, Andheri East, Mumbai

Some sports injuries do not respond to conservative treatment, and some are too serious to heal on their own. A torn ligament, a displaced meniscus fragment, or a rotator cuff tear can fall into either group. CritiCare Asia Hospitals, Andheri East is a sports surgery hospital in Mumbai that offers surgical repair for such injuries. Where it is suitable, arthroscopic surgery in Andheri East, Mumbai is performed through small incisions, aiming to limit tissue disruption and support a more controlled recovery.

Who Needs Arthroscopy & Sports Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery is generally considered for:

Athletes with a structural injury confirmed on imaging, such as a complete ligament tear, a displaced meniscus fragment or a rotator cuff tear, where the joint will not stabilise or heal alone
Patients whose symptoms have not eased after a reasonable course of physiotherapy, bracing or injections
People with recurrent dislocations, especially of the shoulder, despite rehabilitation
Competitive athletes who need a defined timeline, since surgical repair may heal more predictably than prolonged conservative care

Not every sports injury calls for surgery. Assessment and imaging decide, not the type of injury alone.

Symptoms That May Point to a Structural Injury

These symptoms can indicate damage inside the joint:

Locking or catching during movement
Instability, with the knee or shoulder giving way
Pain that persists despite rest and physiotherapy
Swelling that returns after activity
A popping sensation at the time of injury, followed by weakness
Movement that does not recover fully

Imaging and clinical examination are required to confirm the cause.

Why Arthroscopy Is Chosen Over Conventional Open Surgery

Arthroscopy is chosen because it changes the surgical and recovery experience, not because it is newer. Compared with an open procedure, it typically involves:

Smaller incisions and less disruption to healthy muscle, skin and soft tissue
Reduced pain after surgery, since less tissue is cut and handled
Lower infection risk, from smaller wounds and shorter exposure
Earlier mobilisation, so physiotherapy can often start sooner
A camera-guided view inside the joint, giving the surgeon direct sight of the damage

Open surgery remains the right choice for some complex reconstructions and severely damaged joints. Where arthroscopy in Andheri East, Mumbai is viable, it is generally preferred for its recovery advantages.

What Arthroscopic Surgery Involves

A small camera and specialised instruments pass through minimal incisions, so the surgeon can see and work inside the joint without a large opening. It is used across most major joints affected by sports injury:

Knee
ACL and PCL reconstruction, meniscus repair or partial removal, cartilage repair
Shoulder
Bankart repair for recurrent dislocation, rotator cuff repair, SLAP tear repair in throwing athletes
Hip, ankle, elbow and wrist
arthroscopic assessment and repair specific to each joint

Reconstructive Muscle and Tendon Procedures

Ankle ligament tears and chronic tendon conditions, such as Achilles tendinopathy and tennis elbow, are also managed in the department. Treatment draws on minimally invasive and non-surgical approaches, including radiofrequency-based treatment for tendon injuries that have not resolved with rest and therapy.

Before the Procedure

Surgery is scheduled after imaging and clinical assessment confirm that arthroscopic repair is appropriate, and after non-surgical options have been considered or ruled out. Patients are briefed on the procedure, the recovery timeline and the preparation needed, which may include pausing certain medications and arranging support for early recovery. These steps are explained in advance so that time away from work and travel can be planned.

During the Procedure

The procedure is usually carried out under regional or general anaesthesia, depending on the joint and the repair needed. Using incisions of a few millimetres and the camera feed, the surgeon repairs torn tissue, reattaches ligaments or addresses cartilage damage with minimal disturbance to nearby structures. Length varies by joint and complexity.

After the Procedure

Pain management begins immediately and, depending on the joint, early movement follows to prevent stiffness. Most patients start a structured physiotherapy programme within days, with a home exercise plan for the time between sessions. Return to sport varies by procedure and individual, and timelines are set case by case, not by a fixed protocol.