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Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive, keyhole procedure used to examine and treat a range of problems inside the knee joint, without the need for a large open incision. It's a genuinely versatile procedure, used across several different knee conditions - though it's important to understand exactly when it helps, and when it doesn't.
Understanding the Surgery
It's typically performed as a day case, with a quicker initial recovery than open knee surgery.
A small camera and fine instruments are inserted through a few tiny incisions, allowing Mr George to examine the inside of the joint directly and treat many problems in the same procedure.
When Arthroscopy Helps
Arthroscopy is well established and effective for:
Meniscal tears, particularly in younger, active patients without significant arthritis
Loose fragments of cartilage or bone within the joint
Certain ligament injuries, depending on the specific structure and severity
It's worth understanding that for knee pain caused primarily by osteoarthritis, general arthroscopic "washout" procedures generally don't provide meaningful, lasting benefit over non-surgical treatment for most patients.
However, if a specific, symptomatic meniscal tear is present alongside some background arthritis, arthroscopy to address that specific tear may still be appropriate - the key question is always what's actually causing your particular symptoms. Read more in our detailed guide to the role of arthroscopy with and without osteoarthritis.