Knee Arthroscopy
What is a Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems inside the knee joint.
It involves inserting a small camera through tiny incisions to view the joint clearly, allowing Mr Beattie to trim, smooth, or repair damaged structures without the need for a large open incision.
Knee Arthroscopy is commonly used to treat ligament or cartilage tears, remove loose fragments, or address inflammation inside the knee joint.
When is it needed?
Knee Arthroscopy may be recommended if you experience:
- A torn meniscus (cartilage damage)
- Loose fragments of bone or cartilage causing locking or catching
- Swelling or inflammation that has not improved with physiotherapy or medication
- Pain during twisting, squatting, or climbing stairs
- Instability or mechanical symptoms such as clicking or giving way
Mr Beattie will assess your symptoms and may arrange MRI or X-ray imaging to confirm whether a Knee Arthroscopy is appropriate for your needs.
What happens during surgery?
During a Knee Arthroscopy, which can be performed under a short general anaesthetic, small incisions are made around the knee to allow the camera and surgical instruments to be inserted.
The inside of the joint is examined and any damaged tissue is trimmed, smoothed, or repaired as needed. The procedure is usually performed under local, spinal, or general anaesthetic depending on individual preference and clinical need.
Because the incisions are small, the surrounding tissue is preserved and scarring is minimal.
Recovery and aftercare
Following a Knee Arthroscopy, most patients go home on the same day. Walking is usually possible immediately with care, although crutches may be used for comfort.
Swelling and stiffness are common in the first few days but will improve with rest, ice, and gentle movement. Physiotherapy will help to restore strength and flexibility.
Many people return to light activities within one to two weeks, although recovery time varies depending on the type of Knee Arthroscopy carried out.
Risks and considerations
Although considered low-risk, there are some potential risks with a Knee Arthroscopy which include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Stiffness or swelling that takes time to settle
- Ongoing symptoms if significant arthritis is present
Mr Beattie will guide you through whether a Knee Arthroscopy is right for your specific condition, discuss any personal considerations, and ensure that you feel comfortable and fully informed before moving forward.
Contact Mr Beattie
PERSONALISED HIP & KNEE CARE
Other Patient Services
Mr Beattie's range of Patient Services extends beyond Knee Arthroscopy to address all aspects of hip and knee care.
Total Hip Replacement
When hip pain makes walking, sleeping or daily activity difficult, Total Hip Replacement offers lasting relief by replacing the damaged joint with a smooth, durable implant designed to restore mobility and confidence.
Total Knee Replacement
Total Knee Replacement restores mobility and reduces pain when arthritis or injury causes persistent stiffness, swelling, or instability that no longer responds to physiotherapy or medication.
Robotic Partial Knee Replacement
When arthritis affects only one side of the knee, Robotic Partial Knee Replacement can relieve pain while preserving more natural movement, offering a quicker recovery than a full replacement.
Revision Hip Replacement
If a previous implant becomes painful, loose or worn, Revision Hip Replacement surgery replaces or adjusts the original joint replacement to restore movement and relieve discomfort.
Revision Knee Replacement
Over time, a knee replacement may loosen or wear out. Knee Revision Surgery removes the old implant and fits a new one to improve function, relieve pain, and support long-term stability.