Dr Bryan Wang
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Trusted Orthopaedic Surgeon | Fellowship-trained in Canada With over 20 yrs of experience
Keyhole or arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique where an orthopaedic surgeon uses a small camera and specialised instruments through tiny incisions to diagnose and repair joint problems. It is commonly used to treat various condition of the knee, shoulder or elbow joints. The benefits of keyhole surgery are smaller scars, faster recovery, less pain and earlier return to work or sports.
Keyhole, or arthroscopic surgery, allows orthopaedic surgeons to see inside a joint using a tiny camera (arthroscope) connected to a high-definition monitor. Through 2-3 small incisions, your surgeon can diagnose and treat soft-tissue or cartilage injuries without large open cuts.
It usually recommended when symptoms / pain persists that may prompt surgical consideration or when conservative options fail. In regard to body joints, a Keyhole surgery is routinely performed on:
Keyhole surgery is preferred over open surgery for various beneficial reasons.
✅ It is minimally invasive – Small cuts (~5–10 mm) are made to insert the arthroscope thus preserving muscle and tissue.
✅ Less pain and swelling – The surrounding area has reduced inflammation as compared to open surgery.
✅ Faster recovery – It is often done as a day surgery thus reducing length of stay at the hospital and resumption of quicker rehabilitation.
✅ Precise diagnosis – High-resolution arthroscopic camera visualises cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
✅ Lower infection risk – As the incision is very small, there is only a small wound with minimal scarring thus reducing risk of infection.
Arthroscopic view of Dr Bryan’s meniscus root repair
*Timelines of the above injuries may vary by injury severity and rehabilitation progress.
Keyhole surgery is suitable for individuals whose joint pain or mobility issues do not improve with conservative treatment such as physiotherapy, medication, or activity modification.
You may be a good candidate for arthroscopy if:
You may NOT be a good candidate for arthroscopy if:
Your orthopaedic surgeon will evaluate your condition, imaging results, and activity goals to determine if keyhole surgery is right for you.
Dr Bryan performing ACL reconstruction surgery
Post-surgery care with cold wrap over the operated shoulder
At Beacon Orthopaedics, we ensure a smooth and supportive surgical experience from your first consultation to full recovery.
Our orthopaedic surgeon will do a comprehensive assessment.
Review of your symptoms, medical history and a thorough physical examination is performed.
There will be on-site X-ray and MRI scanning for accurate diagnosis.
Your surgeon explains the procedure, recovery plan and expected outcomes.
Pre-operative health checks ensure safety for anaesthesia.
You’ll receive instructions on fasting, medication, and transport.
Surgery may be performed under general or regional anaesthesia.
Surgery usually takes 30–90 minutes, depending on complexity.
You may expect to go home on the same day if no complications arise.
You’ll rest in recovery for a few hours and receive wound-care guidance.
Mild discomfort or swelling is expected for a few days over the wound area.
Pain relief and antibiotics may be prescribed.
Our partner physiotherapists will craft out a structured and individualised rehabilitation plan for you.
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to track healing and progress.
Arthroscopy uses advanced imaging and precision tools to treat joint problems with minimal trauma. You may expect the following procedure:
Knee arthroscopy: 45–60 minutes
Shoulder arthroscopy: 60–90 minutes
Elbow arthroscopy: 30–60 minutes
✅ Thus, keyhole surgery is the treatment of choice when indicated.
Arthroscopy is generally safe and has a low complication rate, especially when performed by experienced orthopaedic surgeons. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks.
Common and Mild Risks
Less Common but Possible Risks
Thus, majority of our patients recover smoothly and experience long-term improvement in pain and mobility.
Once keyhole surgery is the treatment of choice, you may expect the following recovery and rehabilitation pathway:
Rehabilitation duration may vary according to the joint involved in the surgery.
Keyhole (arthroscopic) surgery uses a camera and instruments through small incisions instead of a large open cut, resulting in faster recovery and less pain.
Most patients experience mild post-operative discomfort managed with oral painkillers. Pain is significantly lower than traditional open surgery.
Walking often resumes within 1–2 weeks. Full sports recovery may take 3–6 months depending on the procedure and physiotherapy.
Yes. Physiotherapy is crucial to restore range, strength, and prevent stiffness—especially after ACL or shoulder labral repair.
Usually yes, but some minor arthroscopies use regional (nerve block) anaesthesia for comfort and faster recovery.
If pain or instability persists beyond 2–3 weeks after an injury or if imaging suggests meniscus, ACL, or labral tears, early review avoids worsening of the condition.
Yes, most procedures are day surgeries. You’ll be discharged with post-operative instructions and a follow-up review within 1 week.
Yes—arthroscopy can be performed safely in older patients for cartilage cleaning, loose body removal, or rotator cuff repair, when indicated.
If you are unable to find your questions in our FAQs, we welcome you to drop us a message or call us at 9066 8680 to speak directly to our clinic nurse.
Medically reviewed by: Dr Bryan Wang, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Beacon Orthopaedics, Singapore
Fellowship-trained (Pan Am Clinic, Canada) | Former Senior Consultant, CGH | Teaching faculty at NUS, NTU, and Duke-NUS | Member of AAOS, ISAKOS, and Canadian Shoulder & Elbow Society.
Last reviewed: January 2026
Educational content only; not a substitute for personal medical advice. For a diagnosis and tailored plan in Singapore, book an appointment with our team.
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