Orthopaedics
Knee Arthroscopy
Minimally invasive keyhole surgery to diagnose and treat problems inside the knee joint.
From £3,200
All-inclusive pricing
Day Case Procedure
Home the same day
Keyhole Surgery
Minimal scarring, faster recovery
About This Procedure
What is a Knee Arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a keyhole surgical procedure that allows your surgeon to look inside the knee joint using a small camera (arthroscope) and, where necessary, carry out treatment at the same time. It is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee conditions including torn meniscus, cartilage damage, loose bodies and ligament problems. Most knee arthroscopies are performed as day cases under general or spinal anaesthetic, meaning you go home the same day. The procedure involves 2-3 small incisions of less than a centimetre, resulting in minimal scarring.
Common Question
Is it a major operation?
Knee arthroscopy is considered a minimally invasive procedure. Most patients go home the same day, are walking normally within a week, and return to office work within 1-2 weeks. It is significantly less involved than open knee surgery and recovery is much faster.
Step by Step
What happens on the day?
01
Arrival
You arrive at the hospital having fasted as instructed. You will meet your surgeon and anaesthetist and the procedure and aftercare will be confirmed.
02
The procedure
Under anaesthetic, 2-3 small incisions are made around the knee. A thin camera is inserted to examine the joint. If treatment is needed — such as trimming a torn meniscus or removing a loose body — this is done through the same incisions. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes.
03
Recovery and discharge
Most patients are discharged 2-4 hours after surgery. You will need someone to drive you home. You will be given wound care instructions, a follow-up appointment, and guidance on returning to activity.
Key Benefits
Why choose private knee arthroscopy?
→Diagnose and treat knee problems in a single procedure
→Minimally invasive — 2-3 small incisions, no large scars
→Day case — home the same day in most cases
→Faster recovery compared to open knee surgery
→Direct same-day explanation of findings from your surgeon
→Avoids long NHS waiting times
Pricing
Transparent pricing.
From £3,200
Includes pre-operative assessment, procedure, anaesthesia and first follow-up appointment.
Unlike many private hospitals, our price covers everything — surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital stay, and follow-up. No surprise bills.
Book a Consultation →No GP referral required
Using health insurance?
We accept Aviva, Bupa, Healix, Vitality, and WPA.
Contact us with your membership number — we handle pre-authorisation.
View insurance information →Your Outcomes
Recovery after knee arthroscopy
Recovery after knee arthroscopy is generally quick. Most patients are walking within a day and back to light activities within 1-2 weeks. The speed of recovery depends on what was found and treated during the procedure — a diagnostic arthroscopy with no treatment has a faster recovery than one where significant cartilage work was carried out.
24-48 hours
Rest with leg elevated. Ice applied regularly. Walking with crutches if needed.
1 week
Most patients walking normally. Wound check. Return to desk work.
2-4 weeks
Return to driving and light exercise. Swelling subsiding.
4-8 weeks
Return to sport and physical work depending on what was treated. Follow-up with surgeon.
Knee Arthroscopy is a well-established procedure with a high success rate. As with all surgery, risks exist including infection, blood clots, and complications. Your consultant will discuss your individual risk profile before you proceed.
Your Questions
Your questions, answered.
Book a Consultation
Ready to take the next step?
Book an initial consultation for knee arthroscopy — a no-commitment chat with our clinical coordinator. Pick a date that suits you and we’ll call within 24 hours to arrange the exact time with your consultant.
June 2026
Pick a date that suits you
This is your preferred date. We’ll confirm the exact time when we call.
Prefer to speak with someone?
No GP referral required. Same-week appointments available.
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