Diagnostic arthroscopy

An arthroscopy is a form of laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery used to explore and treat conditions within your joints. Most commonly it is performed on the knee or hip, but also on the ankle, shoulder, elbow and wrist.

I have a question about diagnostic arthroscopy

What is arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a form of laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery used to explore and treat conditions within your joints.

Why would I have arthroscopy?

An arthroscopy might be recommended if you suffer from joint pain, stiffness, swelling, sometimes for diagnostic purposes, but also to carry out any treatment. Arthroscopy can be used to remove pieces of loose cartilage or bone, to repair damaged cartilage, or to drain excess fluid from a joint.

What happens during arthroscopy of the foot / ankle?

An arthroscopy is performed under a general anaesthetic, so you will be asleep for the procedure. Small, minor cuts are made in the area to allow your surgeon to insert an instrument called an arthroscope, which is a thin tube which has a light and a camera on the end of it. The images are sent from the arthroscope onto a screen which allows your surgeon to be able to see into the joint.

Your surgeon is also able to perform treatment if necessary, such as removing affected tissue or cartilage within the joint. The procedure usually lasts between 30-45 minutes.

An arthroscopy is usually performed as a day case procedure, which means there is no need for an overnight stay in hospital, and you will be allowed to rest and recover at home.

What should I expect after surgery?

Immediately after surgery we’ll help you manage any pain or discomfort with painkillers. We’ll discuss your aftercare and arrange any follow-up appointments with you before you leave hospital. A physiotherapist will discuss your rehabilitation and give you a programme of exercise to follow.

Depending which joint has been operated on, in the first few days following your surgery you may need help to get around and you may need to put an ice pack on the affected area to reduce swelling and minimise discomfort.

The time needed before you return to work, driving and more vigorous activities will depend on exactly what surgery you’ve had, and the progress of your recovery.

How do I arrange diagnostic arthroscopy?

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Our Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons

Daniel Neen

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Mr Neen's specialities include clavicle surgery, shoulder surgery, elbow surgery and wrist and hand surgery.

Mr Daniel Neen

William Dunnet

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Mr Dunnet's specialties include knee surgery, hip revision surgery, hip surgery and lumbar spine disorders.

Mr William Dunnet

Kumar Reddy

Associate Specialist Surgeon

Mr Reddy specialises in total hip and knee replacements, revision joint replacements, ACL reconstruction, and more.

Mr Kumar Reddy

Raj Shrivastava

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Mr Shrivastava's specialties include knee surgery, hip revision surgery, hip surgery, lumbar spine disorders and more.

Mr Raj Shrivastava

Crispin Southgate

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Mr Southgate's specialties include knee surgery, hip revision surgery, hip surgery and sports injuries.

Mr Crispin Southgate

Michael Dunning

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Mr Dunning's specialities include hallux valgus surgery, sports injuries of the foot and ankle and arthrodesis surgery.

Mr Michael Dunning

Hemant Thakral

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Mr Thakral's specialties include shoulder arthroscopic surgery, complex joint replacements for arthritis and trauma.

Mr Hemant Thakral

Alex Chipperfield

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Mr Chipperfield's specialties include hip and knee replacement, revision hip and knee replacement, and more.

Mr Alex Chipperfield

Richard Goddard

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Mr Goddard's specialties include total knee replacement and Signature total knee replacement.

Mr Richard Goddard

Matthew Oliver

Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon

Mr Oliver's specialties include patient specific knee replacement, enhanced recovery protocols and Dupuytrens disease.

Mr Matthew Oliver

Raman Thakur

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Mr Thakur's specialties include hip and knee replacement, ACL reconstruction and general orthopaedics.

Mr Raman Thakur

Omar Yanni

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Mr Yanni's specialties include knee surgery, hip revision surgery, hip surgery, soft tissue injuries and arthroscopy.

Mr Omar Yanni

Baljinder Singh Dhinsa

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Mr Singh Dhinsa's specialties include hallux valgus surgery and management of foot and ankle conditions

Mr Singh Dhinsa

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01580 363158

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