Knee arthroscopy at Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew's Hospital

What is knee arthroscopy? 

Knee arthroscopy (also called ‘keyhole’ knee surgery) allows your surgeon to see inside your knee joint using a camera inserted through small incisions in the skin. 

At Nuffield Health, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, our experienced orthopaedic consultants can diagnose problems such as a torn cartilage, ligament damage and arthritis by carrying out knee arthroscopy surgery. 

What are the benefits of a knee arthroscopy?

A knee arthroscopy will allow the surgeon to examine the structures in and around the knee joint aiding identification of the problem causing your pain or dysfunction. It is a minimally invasive procedure which allows surgeons to address many issues they may determine to be the cause of your pain or dysfunction. This means recover is quicker than an open procedure. 

Is knee arthroscopy right for me? 

This procedure is used to address many issues affecting the knee joint. Consultation with your consultant will help you decide if this approach is best for you 

What happens during the procedure? 

Knee arthroscopy is usually performed under general anaesthetic. You will meet one of our anaesthetists prior to the operation and they will reassure you on what the best option for you is if you never had surgery before. 

Your surgeon will make one or more small incisions on the front and sides of your knee and insert a tiny camera to examine the inside of your knee. They will wash out any loose material Seen within the joint surfaces and may trim or repair a tissue if required. At the end of the procedure the consultant will leave you to the excellent care of our dedicated nursing staff, from the recovery room to the ward. 

Recovery 

Our team of specialist physiotherapists will provide expert treatment, rehabilitation and advice during your hospital stay, and if appropriate follow-up as an outpatient to support your full recovery. 

Short-term recovery 

You will discuss the length of your hospital stay and any concern with the consultant prior to the operation.  You will go home once you are able to mobilise safely and you are medically fit. 

Long-term recovery 

Your recovery will be guided by physiotherapists and follow up consultations with your surgeon.