Knee arthroscopy equipment covers both the tower that creates the image and the hand and powered instruments that do the work inside the joint. This guide focuses on the instrument set: scopes, cannulas, probes, punches, graspers and shaver blades. It explains how to configure a set for an orthopaedic theatre, how many sets to hold and what to ask suppliers in the UAE.
The building blocks of a knee instrument set
A basic knee set starts with an arthroscope, usually 4 mm with a 30 degree view, a sheath or cannula system with obturators for portal entry and an inflow route for irrigation. The surgeon then needs a probe to palpate cartilage and menisci, basket punches and graspers to trim and remove tissue, scissors, and a powered shaver for debridement.
Instruments are often grouped by function: visualisation, access, palpation, cutting, grasping and powered resection. Group the set the same way in the tray so that the scrub nurse can check completeness at a glance and so that the tray can be reprocessed in a standard cycle.
- Arthroscope and sheath with obturators
- Probe and palpation hook
- Basket punches, straight and angled
- Grasping and retrieval forceps
- Scissors and meniscotomes
- Shaver handpiece, blades and burs
Hand instruments: what to specify
Specify punches by jaw size, angle and bite direction, as meniscal work needs left-, right- and straight-biting variants. Graspers should have a firm, atraumatic grip for loose bodies. Check the shaft diameter against your cannulas and the length against your portal depth.
REDA's orthopaedic instrument range lists meniscotomes and tendon instruments, Luer and Stille bone rongeurs, bone curettes and elevators, which cover open and mini-open orthopaedic needs. For arthroscopy-specific punches and graspers, ask the supplier for the exact catalogue items and confirm compatibility with your portals before ordering.
Imaging, fluid and power around the instruments
Instruments work only when the image and fluid are right. A camera system such as Richard Wolf's ENDOCAM Logic 4K is described on its brand page and delivers 4K output; a light source, a monitor and a pump complete the chain. Our arthroscopy equipment list covers each element, and the arthroscopy pump guide explains fluid control.
Powered shavers need a motor control unit, a footswitch and a supply of blades. Discuss with the surgeons which blade styles they use, because blade variety is a major driver of consumable cost.
How many sets, and reprocessing
Set quantity depends on theatre turnover. A busy list typically needs enough sets for the number of cases per day plus a margin for the reprocessing cycle time; with only one set you will wait for the washer and sterilizer between patients. Fine instruments with hinges and lumens require careful cleaning, so involve the sterile processing department in tray design.
Instruments with channels or cannulated parts need brushes and flushing. Agree with the supplier on documented reprocessing instructions for each item and on the maximum number of cycles.
Questions to ask and next steps
When requesting quotations, ask for item lists with catalogue numbers, materials, whether items are reusable or single-use, warranty terms and replacement policy for worn jaws. Instrument prices vary by quality, material and manufacturer, so compare identical configurations. Confirm device registration status with the relevant UAE authority.
Beckfinity can help you define a knee arthroscopy set that matches your tower. Contact our specialists through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What instruments are used in knee arthroscopy?
An arthroscope with sheath and obturators, probe, punches, graspers, scissors, a shaver system and irrigation equipment, depending on the procedure.
What size arthroscope is used for the knee?
Commonly 4 mm with a 30 degree view, though the final choice rests with the surgeon.
How many instrument sets do we need?
It depends on cases per day and reprocessing time. Plan sets so that no case waits for the sterilizer.
Are arthroscopy instruments reusable?
Many hand instruments are reusable, while blades and some accessories are single-use. Follow each manufacturer's instructions.
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