Knee arthroscopy surgery in Hampshire at Wessex Hospital
- Overview
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Knee arthroscopy (also called keyhole knee surgery) allows your surgeon to see inside your knee joint using a camera inserted through small cuts in the skin.
Your Nuffield Health surgeon can diagnose problems such as a torn cartilage, ligament damage and arthritis by carrying out knee arthroscopy surgery.
What happens during knee arthroscopy?
- Knee arthroscopy is usually done under general anaesthetic
- The operation usually takes between half an hour and three-quarters of an hour
- Your surgeon will make 2 or 3 small incisions and insert a tiny camera to examine the inside of your knee
- 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.
After the knee operation
- Once your knee arthroscopy operation is over, you’ll be taken to the recovery room
- Here you will wake from the anaesthetic
- Your wounds, blood pressure and pulse will be checked carefully
- You should be able to go home the same day as your operation
- You won’t be able to drive, so you will need to arrange for someone to take you home from hospital once discharged.
How soon will I recover from knee arthroscopy surgery?
- Depending on the level of repair done the arthroscopy procedure causes very little tissue damage
- Most patients recovery fairly quickly
- Your knee will be swollen and sore for the first week following your arthroscopy
- Most patients return to normal activity levels within 2 - 3 weeks
- Be sure and discuss any concerns regarding your recovery with your orthopaedic surgeon.
Most people make a good recovery and return to normal activities following knee arthroscopy. As with any surgery there can be complications:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection of the surgical site (incision)
- Scarring
- Blood clots (DVT - deep vein thrombosis)
- Difficulty passing urine.
Specific complications of knee arthroscopy might include:
- Damage to the nerves around the knee
- Developing a lump under the wounds
- Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of the knee.
Knee arthroscopy consultants at Wessex Hospital
Winchester Road, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, SO53 2DW
By car: our hospital is conveniently located just off Junction 12 of the M3 between Southampton and Winchester, with free parking available. Parking Eye is in operation at this site, please ensure you input your car registration on one of the portals at the main reception. By public transport: the nearest train station is Chandlers Ford - a 20-minute train journey from Southampton Central station. The 1 Bluestar bus, which serves Southampton, Chandlers Ford and Winchester, is just 5 minutes walk from the hospital.
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Meet the expert on Hips & Knees
Tuesday 11 July 2023
Wessex Hospital
Mr Shilpith Shetty
Come and meet our orthopedic consultant Mr Shil Shetty for a free 15 minute 1:1 appointment to discuss your hip & knee problems.
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