When Does Jumper's Knee Require Arthroscopic Surgery?

If you’ve been struggling with persistent knee pain just below your kneecap—especially after sports or physical activity—you may have been told you’re dealing with Jumper’s Knee, also known as patellar tendinopathy. For many, the condition improves with rest, physical therapy, and other non-surgical methods.

But what happens when conservative treatment doesn’t provide relief? And when might arthroscopic surgery be necessary?

At the Dr. Rami Hamed Center (DRHC) in Dubai, we believe in empowering patients with clear, compassionate guidance. If you’re worried about whether surgery is the next step, this guide will help you understand when it may be recommended—and how it’s performed safely.

What Is Jumper’s Knee—and Why Can It Be So Stubborn?

Jumper’s Knee is caused by repetitive stress on the patellar tendon, which connects the kneecap to the shinbone. Over time, micro-tears can lead to degeneration, pain, and inflammation—especially in athletes or individuals with physically demanding lifestyles.

While early stages often respond well to rest and physiotherapy, chronic cases may not improve with non-surgical care alone. That’s where arthroscopic surgery may be considered.

When Is Arthroscopic Surgery Needed for Jumper’s Knee?

Arthroscopic surgery is usually a last-resort option, considered only when other treatments haven’t worked. At DRHC Dubai, our orthopedic team carefully evaluates the severity of the tendon damage, your activity level, and how long you've had symptoms.

You may be a candidate for arthroscopic surgery if:

You’ve had persistent pain for 6 months or more
Physical therapy, rest, medications, and injections have not provided relief
Imaging (such as MRI or ultrasound) shows significant tendon degeneration or scarring
The pain interferes with your daily activities, work, or sports performance

We understand that the idea of knee surgery can feel overwhelming. That’s why we ensure you’re fully informed, supported, and involved in your treatment decisions every step of the way.

What Is Arthroscopic Surgery—and How Does It Help?

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique where small incisions are made to insert a camera and surgical tools into the knee joint. It allows the surgeon to precisely identify and treat the damaged area of the patellar tendon without needing a large open incision.

At DRHC Dubai, arthroscopic procedures for Jumper’s Knee focus on:

Removing damaged or degenerated tendon tissue
Stimulating healing by creating controlled micro-injuries (known as debridement)
Preserving as much healthy tendon as possible
Sometimes releasing scar tissue or adhesions that limit mobility or cause pain

This approach reduces trauma to the surrounding tissue, shortens recovery time, and minimizes scarring.

What Are the Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery?

Minimally invasive: Smaller incisions mean less tissue damage and quicker healing
Faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery
Reduced pain after the procedure
Improved knee function for those with chronic, unresponsive Jumper’s Knee

What to Expect After Surgery

We understand that patients often worry about recovery. Here’s what you can typically expect:

Outpatient procedure: Most patients go home the same day
Initial rest: You’ll be advised to limit activity and use crutches for a few days
Physical therapy: Begins soon after surgery to restore flexibility and strength
Return to daily activities: Usually within 4–6 weeks
Return to sports: Around 3–4 months, depending on your healing and rehab progress

At DRHC, your recovery is carefully monitored by our orthopedic and rehabilitation teams to ensure the best possible outcome.

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Common Patient Concerns—Answered

Will the surgery be painful?
Post-operative pain is usually mild and manageable with prescribed medication. Since the procedure is minimally invasive, discomfort tends to resolve quickly.

Is there a risk of complications?
As with any surgery, risks include infection or delayed healing, but these are rare with arthroscopic techniques. Our team at DRHC follows strict safety protocols to minimize risks.

What if I’m not ready for surgery yet?
That’s okay. Surgery isn’t the first step. Our specialists at DRHC Dubai will first explore all non-surgical options and only recommend surgery when truly necessary.

Can I prevent surgery by staying active?
Staying active with the wrong movements may worsen Jumper’s Knee. Instead, guided rehabilitation and modified activities are more effective. Our physiotherapists can help you strike the right balance.

Take the Next Step Toward Pain-Free Movement

Living with chronic knee pain can be frustrating and limiting—but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Whether you’re an athlete sidelined by injury or someone simply struggling with daily discomfort, help is available.

At the Dr. Rami Hamed Center in Dubai, we offer comprehensive care for Jumper’s Knee—from early diagnosis and conservative treatment to advanced arthroscopic surgery when needed. Our goal is always the same: to help you move comfortably and confidently again.

If you’re concerned about knee pain that won’t go away, book a consultation today at DRHC Dubai. Together, we’ll find the right treatment for your needs—safely, effectively, and with your well-being at the center.

Dr. Rami Hamed
Consultant Spine & Orthopedic Surgeon
Founder, DRHC – Dubai Healthcare City
📞 ‪+971 4 279 8800‬
🌐 www.drhc.ae
📍 Dubai Healthcare City, Building 52