How Healthcare Abroad helps with

Knee Keyhole Surgery

Get Treatment In As Little As

20 Days

What is Knee Keyhole Surgery?

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure where surgeons diagnose and treat knee problems through tiny incisions (typically 4-5mm). Using a small camera (arthroscope) and micro-instruments, our consultant orthopaedic surgeons at Vithas can address various knee conditions with:

Less post-operative pain than open surgery

Faster recovery times

Lower infection risk

Same-day discharge in most cases

Questions about this Treatment

Accurate diagnosis of complex knee problems

Treatment of multiple issues in one procedure

Minimal scarring from small incisions

Quick return to daily activities

Outpatient procedure (usually no overnight stay)

Meniscus Tears

Repair or trim damaged meniscal cartilage

Preserve healthy tissue whenever possible

ACL Injuries

Reconstruction of torn anterior cruciate ligaments

Using patient's own tissue or donor grafts

Cartilage Damage

Microfracture techniques to stimulate new cartilage growth

Debridement of loose cartilage fragments

Loose Bodies Removal of bone or cartilage fragments causing mechanical symptoms

Initial consultation (in London or online) with our knee specialist
Diagnostic imaging (MRI/X-ray) review
Personalised treatment plan creation
Scheduled procedure date at our partnered Vithas hospital

Pre-Admission Clinic

Health assessment to confirm fitness for surgery

Medication review and adjustments if needed

Fasting instructions for day of procedure

Recovery timeline explanation

Before Surgery Day

Arrange transport home (required after anaesthesia)

Prepare recovery space at home

Obtain any recommended aids (crutches, ice packs)

Anaesthesia Options

General anaesthesia (asleep during procedure)

Spinal anaesthesia (numb below waist)

Local anaesthesia (numb just the knee)

Surgical Process

2-3 small incisions made around knee

Sterile fluid expands joint for better visibility

Arthroscope inserted to examine joint structures

Specialised instruments used for repairs

Typical duration: 30-90 minutes

How long it takes to recover from an arthroscopy depends on the joint involved and the specific procedure you had. It may be possible to return to work within 7 days if your job involves sitting at a desk, but if it’s more physical, you may need to stay off work for up to 2 weeks. You may not be able to do more demanding physical activities, such as lifting and sport, for several months. Your surgeon or care team will let you know how long it’s likely to take to recover and what activities to avoid until you’ve fully recovered. While recovering, contact your GP or surgical team for advice if you think you may have a complication, such as an infection or blood clot.

An arthroscopy is generally considered to be a safe procedure, but like all types of surgery there’s a risk of complications. It’s normal to have short-lived problems such as swelling, bruising, stiffness and discomfort after an arthroscopy. These usually improve in the days and weeks after the procedure. More serious problems are much less common (less than 1 in 100) and include:

A blood clot that develops in a limb – known as deep vein thrombosis, it can cause pain and swelling in the affected limb
Infection inside the joint – known as septic arthritis, it can cause fever, pain and swelling in the joint
Bleeding inside the joint – which often causes severe pain and swelling
Accidental damage to the nerves near the joint – which can lead to temporary or permanent numbness and some loss of sensation

Speak to your surgeon about the possible risks before agreeing to have an arthroscopy.

After your arthroscopy, you’ll be taken to a room to recover from the effects of the general anaesthetic, if it was used during the procedure. You may have some pain in the affected joint. If you do, tell a member of the hospital staff, who will be able to give you painkillers. Before leaving, you will see a physiotherapist who will discuss exercises for you to do at home. Depending on your procedure, you may need a temporary sling, splint or crutches to support and protect the joint while you recover. Special pumps or compression bandages are sometimes used to help improve blood flow.

Contact a GP or the clinic where you had your operation if you have:

High temperature
Severe or increasing pain
Severe or increasing redness or swelling
Discoloured or foul-smelling discharge from your wounds numbness or tingling

These could be symptoms of a complication of surgery, such as an infection or nerve damage.

Persistent knee pain unresponsive to conservative treatment

Swelling or stiffness limiting movement

Locking or catching sensations during movement

Instability or giving way of the knee

Sports injuries causing ongoing problems

Early Phase (0-2 Weeks)

Weight-bearing as tolerated (with crutches if needed)

Range-of-motion exercises

Swelling control strategies

Intermediate Phase (2-6 Weeks)

Strength rebuilding exercises

Balance and proprioception work

Gradual return to daily activities

Advanced Phase (6+ Weeks)

Sport-specific training (if applicable)

Full function restoration

Prevention strategies for future injuries

While uncommon, may include:

Temporary stiffness or swelling

Minor bleeding from incision sites

Infection risk (less than 1% cases)

Blood clots (prevented with early movement)

Immediate Aftercare

Recovery room monitoring for 1-2 hours

Pain relief medication as needed

Dressing application over small wounds

Discharge instructions provided

Rest and elevate the operated leg

Apply ice packs to reduce swelling

Begin gentle movements as tolerated

Keep dressings dry when showering

Patient Pathway

Identification of Treatment Needed

Your General Practitioner or Consultant will identify the need for treatment based on your condition.

Contact Us

Call our team or visit our Harley Street clinic to start your seamless healthcare journey—no referrals needed.

Personalised Consultation

Choose from a video or in-person consultation with one of our medical specialists to design your treatment plan.

Plan Your Trip

We arrange your 4 or 5-star hotel, private airport collection/drop-off, and dedicated transfers between the hospital and accommodation.

Constant Care & Support

Our 24/7 care team assists you throughout your stay, with patient liaisons accompanying you in-hospital for seamless coordination.

Seamless Treatment in Spain

Receive expert care at Vithas Hospitals, with English-speaking staff, private rooms, and comprehensive aftercare— facilitated by your dedicated liaison.

Aftercare & Follow-Up

Return home with UK-based virtual check-ins, digital records, and priority access for future needs.

Healthcare Abroad UK helps patients access high-quality, affordable private medical treatment with the Vithas Group—one of Spain’s leading hospital providers. We support you at every step, making the process seamless.

Vithas Hospital Group: Spain's leading private healthcare provider
Dedicated care team with you every step of your treatment journey
Complete treatment package including:
- Luxury accommodation
- Transfers from the airport in Spain
- Transfers between hotel and hospital for the duration of your stay
- 24/7 English-speaking support

We match you with the best surgeons and hospitals for your needs, organise diagnostics (scans, blood tests, etc.), handle travel and accommodation, and provide airport transfers. Our team ensures everything runs smoothly so you can focus on recovery.

Any UK resident can access care with Healthcare Abroad UK. You don’t need private insurance or a GP referral (though one may be required for certain treatments).

We cover a wide range of procedures, including:

Dental Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery
Hip/Knee Surgery
Cataract Surgery
Weight Loss Surgery
Shoulder Surgery
...and more.

If you experience any complications after your surgery, rest assured that you are in excellent hands. Our partner hospitals maintain exceptionally low infection rates and emergency care is available 24/7 to ensure your safety and well-being. At Healthcare Abroad UK, we provide continuous support throughout your recovery. Our dedicated team is always on hand to assist you—whether coordinating follow-up care, arranging urgent medical attention, or simply offering guidance. You’ll never be alone; we’re just a call away, ensuring you receive prompt, expert care whenever needed.

Before returning to the UK, you'll have a final consultation with your surgeon in Spain to review your progress. Our Harley Street clinic offers follow-up appointments, and we provide your GP with detailed discharge summaries. You'll have access to our 24/7 UK support line throughout your recovery.

We’re here to help you at each stage of your treatment.

Transparent Costs and Finance Options: We provide clear, upfront pricing for all treatments, including consultations, ECGs, blood tests, X-rays, and any necessary diagnostics. While patients cover these medical fees, the total cost remains significantly lower than private healthcare in England, without compromising on quality or efficiency. We also offer assistance with financing options to help manage expenses.
Flights & Accommodation: Patients are responsible for booking their flights, but we ensure a seamless stay by arranging luxury 4 or 5-star hotels. Your comfort is our priority, with private airport transfers and dedicated hospital transport included in your package.
Premium Care at Vithas Alicante: Experience expert medical care in a state-of-the-art facility with English-speaking staff, private rooms, and comprehensive aftercare. Your dedicated liaison ensures smooth coordination, while our 24/7 care team supports you throughout your stay.
Seamless Travel & Companion Support: From the moment you land, we take care of your transfers—you and your companion will be collected from the airport and provided with private transport for the duration of your stay. Patient liaisons accompany you during hospital visits for effortless coordination.
High-Quality, Efficient Treatment: Our focus is on delivering exceptional surgical outcomes with minimal waiting times. The combination of advanced medical expertise, personalised care, and cost savings makes Spain an ideal choice for your healthcare needs.