Sports Injury Arthroscopy in Pune | Deccan Hardikar Hospital

What is Sports Injury Arthroscopy and who performs it at Deccan Hardikar Hospital?

Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune offers Sports Injury Arthroscopy — a minimally invasive orthopaedic procedure that uses a small camera and keyhole incisions to diagnose and treat ligament tears, muscle injuries, cartilage damage, and fractures. It is indicated when conservative management fails or when precise internal repair is required for a faster, reliable return to sport.

The hospital is a NABH Pre-Accredited superspeciality orthopaedic and referral centre with five decades of surgical excellence, serving patients across Western Maharashtra and beyond. Its orthopaedics programme covers the full spectrum of sports and musculoskeletal conditions.

Who needs Sports Injury Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopic intervention is considered when a sports-related injury does not respond adequately to rest, physiotherapy, or medication, or when imaging confirms structural damage requiring surgical repair. Common indications include:

• ACL / PCL tears — anterior or posterior cruciate ligament injuries of the knee
• Meniscal tears — torn cartilage in the knee joint causing locking, swelling, or instability
• Rotator cuff tears — shoulder muscle and tendon injuries common in throwing and overhead sports
• Shoulder instability / labral tears — recurrent dislocations or SLAP lesions
• Ankle ligament injuries — chronic instability or osteochondral defects of the ankle
• Cartilage damage — chondral lesions in the knee, shoulder, or ankle
• Loose bodies in joints — bone or cartilage fragments causing pain and restricted movement
• Synovitis — persistent joint inflammation not controlled by non-surgical treatment
• Fractures requiring internal visualisation — intra-articular fractures needing arthroscopic-assisted fixation

How is Sports Injury Arthroscopy performed at Deccan Hardikar Hospital?

The procedure follows a structured pathway from pre-operative assessment through to post-operative care. Each step is managed by the orthopaedic and anaesthesia teams at Deccan Hardikar Hospital, Pune.

1. Pre-operative assessment — Clinical examination, imaging review (MRI/X-ray), blood investigations, and anaesthesia fitness evaluation. The surgical plan is discussed with the patient.
2. Anaesthesia — Regional (spinal/nerve block) or general anaesthesia is administered depending on the joint and patient profile.
3. Positioning and preparation — The limb is positioned to optimise joint access. The skin is sterilised and a tourniquet applied where indicated.
4. Portal creation — Small keyhole incisions (under 1 cm) are made to insert the arthroscope and working instruments. No muscle cutting is required.
5. 4K HD visualisation — A 4K HD arthroscope transmits high-resolution images of the joint interior, allowing precise identification of all damaged structures.
6. Surgical repair — Depending on findings, the surgeon performs ligament reconstruction, meniscal repair or trimming, cartilage treatment, removal of loose bodies, or stabilisation procedures — all through the same small portals.
7. Closure and dressing — Portals are closed with sutures or steri-strips and a sterile dressing applied. No large incision is left.
8. Recovery room — The patient is monitored until anaesthesia wears off. Most patients are discharged within 24 hours.

What are the surgical approach options for Sports Injury Arthroscopy?

The choice of approach depends on the joint involved, the nature of the injury, and the complexity of repair required. The team at Deccan Hardikar Hospital uses the following approaches:

The treating surgeon will recommend the most appropriate approach after reviewing clinical and imaging findings. Use the booking form on this page to schedule a consultation.

What is the recovery timeline after Sports Injury Arthroscopy?

Recovery milestones vary by the joint treated and the complexity of repair. The following is a general guide for standard arthroscopic procedures at Deccan Hardikar Hospital:

1. Day 1 — Discharge: Most patients are discharged within 24 hours of surgery. Pain is managed with prescribed medication. The limb is supported with a brace or bandage as directed.
2. Days 2–7 — Wound care: Dressings are checked and changed. Sutures are reviewed. Ice and elevation reduce swelling. Gentle range-of-motion exercises begin under physiotherapy guidance.
3. Weeks 2–4 — Early rehabilitation: Progressive physiotherapy commences. Weight-bearing and mobility targets are set based on the procedure performed.
4. Weeks 4–8 — Strengthening phase: Muscle strengthening and proprioception exercises are introduced. Most patients resume light daily activities and desk work during this phase.
5. Weeks 8–12 — Functional training: Sport-specific drills and agility work begin for athletes. Return-to-sport clearance is assessed by the surgical team.
6. 3–6 months — Return to sport: Full return to competitive sport is typically achieved between 3 and 6 months, depending on the procedure and individual healing. The team's focus is a fast, safe return to sport.

What are the risks and considerations of Sports Injury Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a well-established minimally invasive procedure; however, as with any surgical intervention, risks exist. Patients should discuss these with their surgeon before consenting to the procedure.

• Infection — Risk of superficial wound or deep joint infection, though rare with arthroscopic portals
• Bleeding or haematoma — Accumulation of blood within the joint, occasionally requiring aspiration
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — Blood clot formation in the leg, particularly after lower-limb procedures; prophylaxis is prescribed
• Nerve or vessel injury — Rare risk of damage to structures adjacent to the surgical portals
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion — May occur if rehabilitation is delayed or inadequate
• Anaesthetic reactions — Adverse responses to regional or general anaesthesia; assessed pre-operatively
• Re-tear or graft failure — Reconstructed ligaments can re-tear, particularly with premature return to high-impact activity
• Incomplete symptom resolution — Some patients may require further intervention if underlying joint degeneration is advanced

Your surgeon will review your individual risk profile during the pre-operative consultation and take all appropriate precautions to minimise these risks.

Which surgeons perform Sports Injury Arthroscopy at Deccan Hardikar Hospital?

Sports Injury Arthroscopy at Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune is performed by a team of qualified orthopaedic surgeons with credentials verified by the hospital. The team also manages associated trauma care and joint replacement surgery for complex cases.