Mr Graeme Nicholas Fernandez
Orthopaedic surgery

What to expect from a knee arthroscopy

Written in association with: Mr Graeme Nicholas Fernandez

Published: 25/06/2020 | Updated: 26/06/2020

Edited by: Robert Smith

Knee arthroscopy is a surgical technique that is often used to diagnose problems in the knee joint and therefore leads to appropriate treatment by finding the root cause of knee issues. A knee arthroscopy allows for the inside of the joint to be seen and analysed.

legs and knees

We spoke to one of the UK’s most experienced orthopaedic surgeons, Mr Graeme Nicholas Fernandez, to find out more about knee arthroscopy and what to expect from it.

What exactly is a knee arthroscopy?

The interior of a knee joint can be inspected with a very small telescope known as an arthroscope. It is then possible, using small instruments, to remove damaged tissue. Such a torn meniscus, lose pieces of bone. It’s also possible in certain circumstances to repair torn meniscus. More complex procedure such as anterior construction of the anterior cruciate ligaments (LCL). Damage to the joint surface can also be addressed using techniques such as chondroplasty and micro fracture. Inflamed linings of the joint can also be excised and synovectomy.

When is a knee arthroscopy needed?

Usually a patient undergoes an MRI scan first. If this reveals a problem that can be addressed by arthroscopy such as a torn meniscus, lose body or localised joint damage.

How effective are knee arthroscopies?

In the vast majority of cases arthroscopy is extremely effective.

Do knee arthroscopies hurt?

Discomfort from knee arthroscopy is usually minimal especially if the surgeon puts local anaesthetic in the joint at the end of the procedure. The anaesthetist would also give strong pain killing medication as well. If significant pain is experienced after surgery, you should contact the hospital as this is not normal and might indicate bleeding into the joint or more rarely, infection.

Are knee arthroscopies safe?

The procedure is very safe with a very low incidence of complications such as deep vein thrombosis or infection in the joint.

How long does it take to recover from a knee arthroscopy?

It’s usually possible to walk out of hospital on the same day, without sticks or crutches. Driving is usually possible after about a week. Return to sports depends on the procedure but for simple conditions, many people can return after 2 weeks.

Is there anything you’d recommend for a prompt recovery?

It’s important to follow a physiotherapists instructions in order not to overdo it as this can lead to leakage of the wound and swelling of the knee. It’s also important not to ‘under do it’ either, as this can lead to stiffness and muscle weakness.

If you’re suffering from knee pain or require surgery, you may like to book an appointment or e-Consultation with Mr Graeme Nicholas Fernandez today. Visit his profile to find out more information about some of his treatment options and appointment availability.

By Mr Graeme Nicholas Fernandez

Orthopaedic surgery in Dorset

With more than 27 years at consultant level, Mr Graeme Nicholas Fernandez is one of the UK's most experienced orthopaedic surgeons. Working across BMI The Winterbourne Hospital, Circle Reading Hospital, and BMI The Harbour Hospital, Poole. Mr Fernandez's special interest is in shoulder surgery but he also has considerable experience in partial and total knee replacement, hip replacement, and carpal tunnel surgery. He is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes in surge...

By Mr Graeme Nicholas Fernandez
Orthopaedic surgery

With more than 27 years at consultant level, Mr Graeme Nicholas Fernandez is one of the UK's most experienced orthopaedic surgeons. Working across BMI The Winterbourne Hospital, Circle Reading Hospital, and BMI The Harbour Hospital, Poole. Mr Fernandez's special interest is in shoulder surgery but he also has considerable experience in partial and total knee replacement, hip replacement, and carpal tunnel surgery. He is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes in surgery with the latest minimally-invasive techniques and surgical guidance systems, and is the recipient of four clinical excellence awards.

Mr Fernandez qualified from the University of London in 1976 and pursued specialist training in Exeter, Bath, Portsmouth, Southampton and Alton. He passed the Orthopaedic Specialty Exam FRCS Orth in Edinburgh in 1989 - one of the first in the country - and was appointed Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon at Dorset County Hospital in 1993. In his capacity as Clinical Director, he spent six years overseeing the growth of the department into a centre of Orthopaedic excellence. In 2012 he founded the Dorset Orthopaedic Clinic and the Dorset Shockwave Clinic, bringing together a team of experienced specialists to provide high-quality care to patients using the latest proven treatments.

Mr Fernandez has widely published in leading orthopaedic journals and has presented at conferences in San Francisco and Basel. He also offers talks at the Dorset Orthopaedic Clinic to GPs interested in keeping up to date with modern techniques in orthopaedic surgery.

Mr Fernandez treats degenerative conditions such as arthritis as well as acute trauma and sports injuries. He has a special expertise in performing arthroscopy of the knee without a tourniquet which results in a lighter anaesthetic, faster recovery and less postoperative pain. Patients who play racquet sports or work in construction and suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome will be operated on endoscopically, as this results in reduced post-operative pain and scar sensitivity. Finally, Mr Fernandez has special interest in patient-specific instrumentation for knee replacements, which results in a more accurate fit and a shorter time in the operating room. If, on occasion, a patient's case is complex and requires care beyond his area of expertise, Mr Fernandez has a wide network of experienced colleagues to whom he can refer.

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