Arthroscopic surgery (keyhole joint surgery)
Arthroscopy is surgery carried out inside a joint with a camera and fine instruments passed through cuts a few millimetres long; it is often called keyhole surgery. We use it most in the knee and the shoulder, for meniscus, ligament and tendon problems, and also in the elbow, the wrist and the ankle.
Operations we do arthroscopically
Knee arthroscopy: meniscus surgery
A torn meniscus is either stitched or has its damaged part removed, depending on where and how it is torn. Not every meniscal tear needs surgery; the decision rests on the symptoms, the examination and the MRI findings.
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
The torn ligament is replaced with a graft, usually prepared from the patient’s own tendon, placed under camera view. Physiotherapy after the operation is an important part of the result.
Detailed article: Anterior cruciate ligament tear: is surgery always needed?
Shoulder arthroscopy: rotator cuff repair
The torn tendon is fixed back to the bone with suture anchors. Whether to repair depends on the size of the tear, age and symptoms.
Detailed article: Shoulder pain and rotator cuff problems: is surgery needed?
Shoulder stabilisation for dislocation
For recurrent shoulder dislocation, the torn labrum and joint capsule are reattached to the bone with suture anchors.
Detailed article: Dislocated shoulder: what happens after it is put back, and is surgery needed?
Elbow arthroscopy
Used to remove loose bodies from the joint, to release tissue that limits movement and for some cartilage problems.
Wrist arthroscopy
The inside of the wrist joint is assessed with the camera. It is used for tears of the triangular fibrocartilage (TFCC), some ganglion cysts and to help line up fractures that extend into the joint.
Ankle arthroscopy
Used for cartilage damage in the ankle, pain from soft tissue or bony impingement and to remove loose bodies from the joint.
How it differs from open surgery
Because the cuts are small, pain after the operation and the hospital stay are generally less than with open surgery, and the structures inside the joint are assessed magnified on the camera image. Recovery time depends on what was done: after a stitched repair or a ligament reconstruction the period of protection is longer.
When to be seen without waiting
- Increasing pain, swelling, redness, discharge from the wound or fever after the operation
- Pain, swelling and tightness in the calf
- A knee that locks and will not straighten fully after a fall or twist
- A shoulder you suspect has dislocated
In these situations do not wait for an appointment; go to the nearest emergency department.
Our doctors
Our team of three orthopaedic surgeons works in close collaboration at every stage, from assessment and diagnosis to surgical and non-surgical treatment. Drawing on our shared knowledge and experience, we aim to find the most suitable treatment for each patient and to achieve the greatest benefit.
Other areas
This page is general information; diagnosis and treatment are decided at examination. Last updated: .