Overview of Alexia Putellas’s knee arthroscopy and current recovery efforts
The discomfort in Alexia Putellas’s left knee continues to be a concern, raising questions about whether there is a serious issue in the joint where she previously tore the cruciate ligament. To determine the exact cause and assess the knee’s overall condition, she is scheduled for a diagnostic arthroscopy. This procedure, performed by trusted specialists, will allow clinicians to observe the interior of the knee and identify any problems that may be limiting her performance or delaying full recovery. The intervention will be carried out by a seasoned team led by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau at Clinica Dexeus, the same center involved when the Barça captain faced ligament reconstruction last year.
Following a series of tests and imaging studies conducted at both FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, doctors ruled out a major joint injury. Given the inconclusive results so far, a straightforward arthroscopy was chosen to thoroughly examine the knee, a decision reached after close consultation with medical staff over recent hours.
To date, Putellas has undergone multiple assessments of the knee, during which a cruciate rupture was identified but no further structural damage has been observed. The plan now is to perform a diagnostic arthroscopy to monitor the joint’s condition and exclude anything serious. A source close to the player noted that what appears to be a minor inflammation or another small issue might be detected, but confirmation will come only after the procedure.
‼️ [COMUNICAT MÈDIC]
Women’s first team player Alexia Putellas underwent revision arthroscopy on her left leg on December 27.
At the end of the intervention the Club will provide a new medical contact. pic.twitter.com/lNZCK9pnqk
— FC Barcelona Femení (@FCBfemeni) December 26, 2023
With a focus on renewing her contract, Putellas’s immediate objective is a full return to peak fitness after the knee issue she has carried since the Champions League group stage match against Benfica on November 14. The captain began to experience knee pain after scoring against the Portuguese side in that European clash. She has been away from the squad while managing the problem and seeking medical guidance. Tension and muscle fatigue around the knee were noted by medical staff when she spoke with the team’s doctors, who emphasized the need for careful assessment and a clear recovery plan.
Over the past month, the player has not seen a spontaneous improvement and has continued with conservative treatment for the last 15 days. Despite the club’s optimism, those measures did not fully resolve the issue. As a result, Putellas will undergo arthroscopy on Wednesday, December 27, to evaluate the knee and confirm that there are no unseen structural problems.
What is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small, tubular camera to observe the inside of a joint through tiny incisions, typically around four millimeters in diameter. In this context, a knee specialist will inspect the joint space to determine the current condition and to assess how it has fared since the Benfica match. Specialists explain that injuries commonly treated with this approach include cruciate ligament issues, meniscal tears, and other soft tissue concerns that affect joint stability and function. The goal of this particular procedure is diagnostic rather than curative, ensuring medical teams have a precise understanding of the knee’s status.
During the operation, two or three small entry points are used, and anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient’s comfort. Depending on the specific injuries found and the time required in the operating room, rehabilitation can vary. Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in rebuilding strength, especially in the quadriceps, and it forms a key component of the overall recovery plan outlined by the surgeon. Recovery timelines are individualized, reflecting the extent of tissue healing and the patient’s adherence to the prescribed rehabilitation protocol.