What is an arthroscopy of the knee?

An arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) allows your surgeon to see inside your knee using a camera inserted through small cuts on your skin. Your surgeon can diagnose problems such as a torn cartilage, ligament damage and arthritis, without the need for a large cut on your skin. 

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

  • Problems inside your knee can often be diagnosed using a magnetic scan (MRI scan) but you may then need an arthroscopy to treat the problem.
  • Physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen can sometimes prevent or delay the need for an arthroscopy.

What does the operation involve?

The operation usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Various anaesthetic techniques are possible.

Your surgeon will examine the inside of your knee for damage to the cartilages, joint surfaces and ligaments while you are under anaesthetic and your muscles are completely relaxed. They will wash out any loose material caused by wear of the joint surfaces. It is usually possible for your surgeon to trim or repair a torn cartilage without needing to make a larger cut.

What complications can happen?

General complications

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection of the surgical site (wound)
  • Unsightly scarring
  • Blood clots
  • Difficulty passing urine

 Specific complications

  • Damage to nerves around the knee
  • Developing a lump under the wound
  • Infection in the knee joint
  • Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of the knee (complex regional pain syndrome)

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Knee arthroscopy 

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This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.

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Guide price for self pay patients

Arthroscopic Meniscetomy

  Consultation Diagnostics Treatment Care after discharge
Hospital costs Included From £350 £2755 Included
Consultant costs From £220 Included Included Included
Estimated total cost  £3325
Estimated length of stay  Day case

*The guide price is correct as of 2nd March 2017

What's included?

The prices in the table above (the “Guide Prices”) show what most patients should expect to pay at each appointment and on admission to hospital. The Guide Prices you pay might be different depending on your medical history and the type of implant you choose or your Consultant advises is best for you. Your price quotation will be made clear to you before you proceed with any tests, consultations or treatment.

Finance options available

To make private healthcare more accessible, we have introduced a finance option so that patients can spread the cost of their treatment over a period of time.

Horder Healthcare works with Zebra Health Finance to offer approved customers Finance Options, enabling you to get back on your feet and back to normal life as soon as possible.

Zebra Health Finance offers finance plans to suit your individual budgets:

  • Representative 0% APR up to 6 months
  • Representative 16.9% APR from 12 to 60 months
  • Simple and quick application process
  • Once approved, the loan money is paid directly to Horder Healthcare

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Copyright © 2018 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on this webpage is produced using information from EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by the Horder Centre. The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.

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