(ii) Surgical approaches to the knee joint

There are various surgical approaches to the knee joint and its surrounding structures, and such approaches are generally designed to allow the best access to an area of pathology whilst safeguarding important surrounding structures. In this article we provide a concise account of the commonly used approaches to the knee joint. Many knee procedures nowadays are routinely performed via arthroscopic or arthroscopic assisted methods. However, knowledge of open surgical access to the knee remains vital for knee arthroplasty surgery and cases where arthroscopy is not possible or practical.