Knee Arthroscopy

Depending on what’s required during the procedure, you’ll be given either a local or general anaesthetic. 

Your surgeon will then: 

1. Make several small incisions (cuts) in your knee. 

2. Insert the scope and examine images of the inside of your knee joint transmitted from the camera to a screen.

3. Look for any abnormalities inside your knee that could be causing your pain. 

4. If needed, use small instruments to shave, cut or grasp the ligaments in the knee to perform repairs.

The risk rate after arthroscopic surgery is low. If complications do occur, they are usually general surgical issues such as:

• pain

• bleeding

• blood clots in the legs or lungs

• nerve damage

• infection

• scarring

• numbness

Your consultant will give you instructions on how to prepare for your knee arthroscopy. Instructions will also be in your appointment letter. Tell your consultant about any medications you’re taking and any health conditions or allergies you have before you have your surgery. 

Before your knee arthroscopy, you may need to: 

• stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a few days before your surgery. This is to reduce the risk of bleeding during and after your procedure

• stop eating and drinking for a period of time before your surgery

At Welbeck, knee arthroscopy is performed as an outpatient procedure, so you’ll be able to go home on the same day. 

You won’t be able to drive after your knee arthroscopy, so please arrange for someone to collect you and drive you home after your procedure. 

You can expect to have some pain and swelling for a few days after your knee arthroscopy. Your surgeon will advise you on how best to manage this.

It’s important to follow your surgeon’s advice during your recovery and to attend any follow-up appointments. Most patients can gradually return to light activities after 1 to 2 weeks and more strenuous activities after 2 to 6 weeks. Full recovery can take between 6 weeks and 3 months. 

You may be able to return to work within a week or 2 if you have an office job, but if you have an active or manual job, you may need to take between 4 and 6 weeks off work. 

If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, please get in touch for advice.

Please get in touch with our Surgery Centre for pricing.

At Welbeck, our orthopaedic surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a knee arthroscopy, you must be referred by either your GP or an orthopaedic surgeon following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment. 

If you would like to schedule a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.