This page will give you information about an arthroscopy of the knee. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.

What is an arthroscopy of your knee?

A knee arthroscopy (keyhole knee surgery) allows your surgeon to see inside your knee using a camera inserted through small cuts on your skin. Your surgeon can diagnose problems such as a torn cartilage, ligament damage and arthritis.

What are the benefits of surgery?

The aim is to confirm exactly what the problem is and for many people the problem can be treated at the same time.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

Problems inside your knee can often be diagnosed using a magnetic scan (MRI scan) but you may then need an arthroscopy to treat the problem.

The procedure

What does the operation involve?

Various anaesthetic techniques are possible. The operation usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Your surgeon will examine the inside of your knee. They will wash out any loose material caused by wear of the joint surfaces. It is usually possible for your surgeon to trim or repair a torn cartilage without needing to make a larger cut.

What complications can happen?

General complications

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection of the surgical site (wound)
  • Unsightly scarring
  • Blood clots
  • Difficulty passing urine

Specific complications

  • Damage to nerves around your knee
  • Developing a lump under your wound
  • Infection in your knee joint
  • Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of your knee (complex regional pain syndrome)
1000x1000 side image colonoscopy

Following surgery

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day.

It is common for your knee to be a little swollen for a few weeks. Walking can be uncomfortable.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Most people make a good recovery and can return to normal activities. Your surgeon will be able to tell you if you are likely to get further problems with your knee.

Summary

A knee arthroscopy allows your surgeon to diagnose and treat some common problems affecting your knee, without the need for a large cut on your skin. This may reduce the amount of pain you feel and speed up your recovery.

If you would like to receive more information on a Private Arthroscopy of the Knee procedure at New Victoria Hospital, please contact us on 020 8949 9020 or:

Book an appointment

Acknowledgements

Author: Mr Stephen Milner DM FRCS (Tr. & Orth.)

Illustrations: Medical Illustration Copyright © Medical-Artist.com

The operation and treatment information on this website is published under license by New Victoria Hospital from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright laws. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any of the information. The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.

Trees

Consultants and Clinic Times

Mr Khalid Al-Dadah

MBChB, MRCS (Ed), PGCert, FHEA, FRCS (Tr&Orth)
Specialities
Orthopaedics, Knee Surgery
Profile and clinic times

Mr Richard Hampton

MB BS(Lond) FRCS(Eng) FRCS(Tr&Orth)
Specialities
Orthopaedics, Hip & Knee Surgery
Profile and clinic times

Mr Giles Heilpern

MA(Hons) MB BS(Hons) FRCSEd(Tr and Orth)
Specialities
Orthopaedics, Knee & Shoulder Surgery
Profile and clinic times

Mr Ziali Sivardeen

BMed.Sci, AFRCS, FRCS (Tr and Orth)
Specialities
Orthopaedics, Shoulder & Elbow Surgery, Knee Surgery
Profile and clinic times
UKAS
The Victoria Foundation
NJR accreditation Quality Data Provider for New Victoria Hospital
JAG accreditation
IT ISO
Freedom to Speak Up scheme
Doctify Gold standard badge awarded to New Victoria Hospital in 2024
Care Quality Commission Good Rating
CAP AWARDS
QMS logo
ISO 9001 logo