Arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery where small cuts are made to the skin and tools inserted to check or treat problems with your joints. Although an arthroscopy can be performed on any joint, it is most commonly used on knees.
Why might I need a knee arthroscopy?
It can help find and treat what is causing pain, swelling and stiffness in your joint.
You may need to have this operation if other tests, such as an x-ray, have not found the cause of the symptoms you are experiencing.
How do I get a knee arthroscopy
Although you can have a knee arthroscopy done privately or by the NHS, in most cases your journey will start with a referral by your own GP to an orthopaedic surgeon, who deals with bones and joints. Either way, you will need to discuss with the surgeon whether this type of operation is suitable for you.
Waiting times for knee arthroscopies in the NHS will vary depending on where you live, but it can often take several months. And although the operation is the same whether it is done in the NHS or the private sector, you will have it done sooner if you opt to go privately.
Before your operation
Your surgeon will discuss the benefits and risks and any potential alternative treatments, e.g. physiotherapy, but if you decide to go ahead you will need some tests to make sure you are fit enough for the operation.
What happens on the day of surgery?
For most knee arthroscopies you will arrive, have your operation and go home all on the same day – this is called a day case.
To prevent you feeling any pain or discomfort during the operation your anaesthetist will recommend one of three types of anaesthetic:
- general anaesthetic, to put you to sleep
- local anaesthetic, where you are awake, and medicine is used to numb the knee joint
- spinal anaesthetic, where medicine is used to numb the body below the waist.
An arthroscopy usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, and involves making a small cut in the front of your knee below your knee cap.
The surgeon inserts a tiny tool with a camera called an arthroscope. Images from the camera are shown on a screen.
The surgeon uses the images to diagnose the problem. If they need to repair the joint, they may make additional cuts to allow them to insert extra tools.
Once repaired, the tools and camera are removed, the cuts are closed with stitches or glue, and your knee is wrapped in a protective dressing.
Recovery and what to expect after knee arthroscopy
After the operation you will go to the recovery room and then back to the day case ward. You will go home once you feel well enough. This usually takes a few hours.
You will not be able to drive until you have recovered from the operation, so you will need to plan for getting home. You should not start driving again until you can safely complete an emergency stop.
Complications of knee arthroscopy
All surgical operations carry a risk of complications. Your risks can increase the older you are, particularly if you have other health problems. Your surgeon will discuss any specific concerns with you before your operation.
Uncommon – between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1,000 people which is equivalent to one person in a village.
- Ongoing pain or stiffness following your surgery.
Rare – between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 10,000 people which is equivalent to one person in a town.
- Infection. Your wound may become red, very painful or swollen, and you may notice some discharge or develop a fever.
- Blood clots developing in your legs. This can cause pain and swelling.
Contact the hospital where you had your operation if you develop complications.
Knee arthroscopy costs and fees
Knee arthroscopy is available through private medical insurance. Check with your insurer whether they will cover it.
You can also self-fund a private knee arthroscopy. Typically, an initial consultation with the surgeon will cost between £195 and £250. The cost of the operation itself will vary depending on the exact surgery you need. Knee arthroscopy costs in the UK also vary depending on where you live. If you opt to self-fund you will be offered one of the following.
- An all-inclusive ‘package price’, where you know the full costs before undergoing treatment. Not all consultants and hospitals offer this.
- A ‘fee-per-service’ deal, where you pay for each part of your treatment and the services you use separately. You often will not know the full costs until you receive invoices.
For more information, you can read our guide on self-pay.
References
What is an arthroscopy?
Latest NHS waiting times – My Planned Care
Arthroscopic surgery for degenerative knee arthritis and meniscal tears: a clinical practice guideline. bmj.com last updated 10 May 2017
Knee Surgery - Arthroscopic Meniscectomy. Royal College of Surgeons. rcseng.ac.uk accessed 19 August 2024.
