Knee · Sacramento, CA
Knee arthroscopy, done with precision.
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera and instruments through keyhole incisions to diagnose and treat problems inside the knee. Dr. Jonathan D. Hughes — fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and Sacramento Kings team physician — performs arthroscopic knee surgery for patients across Sacramento.
Minimally invasive knee surgery
What Dr. Hughes treats.
- Meniscus tears: arthroscopic meniscus repair when the tissue can be preserved, or partial meniscectomy (removal of only the damaged portion) when repair isn’t possible — preserving as much healthy meniscus as the tear allows.
- Cartilage injuries: arthroscopic assessment and treatment of cartilage damage, including debridement and advanced restoration procedures for focal defects.
- Loose bodies & mechanical symptoms: removal of loose cartilage or bone fragments causing catching, locking, or swelling.
- Diagnostic arthroscopy: direct visualization when imaging leaves questions unanswered, often combined with definitive treatment in the same procedure.
What to expect
From evaluation to return.
- Evaluation first: a structured exam and imaging review determine whether arthroscopy is likely to help — many knee problems respond to non-operative care, and Dr. Hughes will tell you honestly which category you’re in.
- Outpatient procedure: most knee arthroscopies are same-day surgery performed through two or three small incisions.
- Criteria-based recovery: rehabilitation follows the published protocol for your specific procedure, progressing by milestones rather than the calendar. Timelines vary by procedure and patient.
- Return to activity: the goal is a documented, safe return to sport, work, and the activities you care about — the same return-to-play framework used for professional athletes.
Recovery, documented
Rehabilitation protocols you can download.
Dr. Hughes publishes his post-operative protocols so patients and physical therapists can follow the same criteria-based plan used for elite athletes. Protocols related to this area of care:
Common questions
Common questions, answered.
Who performs knee arthroscopy in Sacramento?
Dr. Jonathan D. Hughes, MD, PhD, performs knee arthroscopy in Sacramento, California through Sutter Health. He is a fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon and team physician for the Sacramento Kings and Sacramento State Athletics.
Is knee arthroscopy the same as a partial knee arthroscopy?
“Partial” usually refers to a partial meniscectomy — an arthroscopic procedure that removes only the torn portion of the meniscus while preserving healthy tissue. It is one of several procedures performed arthroscopically; your exam and MRI determine which is appropriate.
How long is recovery after knee arthroscopy?
It depends on what is done inside the knee. Recovery after a partial meniscectomy is typically measured in weeks, while a meniscus repair protects the healing tissue for longer. Dr. Hughes uses criteria-based protocols, so progression depends on reaching milestones, not just time.
Sacramento, California
Start with an evaluation.
Dr. Hughes sees patients through Sutter Health in Sacramento. Whether you have imaging in hand or just a joint that won’t cooperate, a consultation is the first step.
Book a consultation