Key Information

Knee arthroscopy allows problems to be identified inside the knee joint. These can often be treated at the same time. Often the exact procedure isn't known until the problem is identified.
Knee arthroscopy is usually day case surgery – you do not need to stay in hospital overnight.
The surgery is under a general anaesthetic – you are put right off to sleep. The procedure takes 20 – 40 minutes.
This procedure is also known as ‘keyhole surgery’ because it is done through 2 – 3 small 10mm incisions.
You leave hospital on crutches and can usually fully weight bear.
The procedure is low risk. Complications are rare. They include:
- Infection - usually superficial
- Blood Clot - risk increased by smoking, oral contraceptive, HRT, family history of clots
- Knee made worse - more common if over 50 years old with degenerative changes present
Blood loss is minimal and usually less than 50mls.
The wounds are usually closed with tape not stitches.
Physiotherapy is sometimes needed (always after more complex procedures).
Recovery depends on the exact surgery performed. Return to work (and sport) depends on your recovery and occupation. For a simple trimming of the cartilage most people are off crutches by 2 - 3 days and the knee fully settled by 4 – 6 weeks.
Knee arthroscopy is a common operation.

Good Bones Orthopaedics Ltd