Diagnostic lower limb arthroscopy
A keyhole examination of the ankle, knee or hip joints
Lower limb arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to evaluate and treat common problems affecting the joints
What is an arthroscopy?
This helps them to diagnose and treat common joint problems — including torn cartilage, ligament damage and arthritis — without open surgery.
Need to know
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What happens during an arthroscopy? icon plus
An arthroscopy is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, however it can be done using local anaesthetic, which numbs the area being operated on.
For the procedure your consultant will make a small cut in the skin near your joint and insert a thin metal tube that contains a camera and light (arthroscope). A sterile solution will be used to wash out your joint so that they can see inside it more clearly.
If your consultant identify's a problem, specialised surgical instruments can be used alongside the arthroscope to repair it. This might include removing damaged cartilage or reconstructing torn ligaments. The procedure usually takes around 45 minutes. -
How to prepare for an arthroscopy icon plus
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. If you'll be having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating or drinking beforehand.
Before your arthroscopy, your consultant may suggest other non-invasive scans or tests, including a CT scan or MRI scan, to diagnose any problems with your joints. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. -
After an arthroscopy icon plus
The procedure itself usually takes around 45 minutes. After the procedure, your consultant will remove the arthroscope and use stitches or adhesive strips to close the small cuts.
You should be able to go home the same day, but occasionally you may need to be cared for in hospital overnight. You should arrange for someone to help you get home.
Your recovery time will depend on the procedure you've had and whether further surgery is needed. Your consultant will let you know what to expect and how to care for the area while it heals. They'll let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise.
Our orthopaedic consultants
Our arthroscopy locations in London
From complex knee surgery to diagnostic tests, bone scans and minor procedures, we provide exceptional orthopaedic care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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The Wellington Hospital Knee Unit
Platinum Medical Centre
15 – 17 Lodge Road
NW8 7JA
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Outpatients and Diagnostics at 30 Devonshire Street
30 Devonshire Street
London W1G 6PU
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Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7HA
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London Ankle & Arthritis Centre
Platinum Medical Centre
15-17 Lodge Road, St John's Wood
London NW8 7JA
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Private arthroscopy in Birmingham
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The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham B15 2FQ
Request an orthopaedic appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with an experienced orthopaedic or sports medicine consultant. We can also arrange imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments.
Call us today
020 7079 4344