What is knee arthroscopy?
Knee arthroscopy is a keyhole procedure in which a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the knee joint to diagnose and treat conditions such as a torn meniscus (knee cartilage), ligament injuries including ACL and PCL tears, patellar tendonitis and inflamed or damaged tissue. It is usually recommended when knee pain hasn’t improved with rest, ice and physiotherapy, or after a severe knee injury.
Because it uses small incisions, recovery is typically quicker than with traditional open surgery, and most patients walk the same day with a knee brace or crutches and go home that day. Conveniently located in St John’s Wood (NW8), we offer this procedure to patients across London with a focus on safety and compassionate care.
Who is knee arthroscopy suitable for?
- Persistent knee pain that hasn’t improved with rest, ice or physiotherapy
- Knee locking, catching or giving way
- A torn meniscus or ligament injury, such as an ACL or PCL tear
- A severe knee injury that needs diagnosis and treatment
Your consultant will assess your individual case, including your examination and any X-ray or MRI scan, before recommending whether knee arthroscopy is right for you.
Knee Arthroscopy at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we aim to make your experience as smooth as possible. Our orthopaedic specialists use advanced techniques to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatment, working with you to meet your individual needs.
Why choose us for your knee arthroscopy?
- Specialist Consultants: Our surgeons have extensive experience in minimally invasive knee procedures, ensuring a considered approach to your care.
- Timely Appointments: We prioritise reducing waiting times, so you can address your symptoms without unnecessary delays.
- Modern Facilities: Our hospital is equipped with the tools needed to provide efficient, precise care in a comfortable setting.
- Accessible Location: Based in NW8, our hospital is easily reached from areas such as Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6).
From your first consultation through to follow-up care, our team supports you every step of the way, focusing on your comfort and well-being.
Surgeons who perform Knee Arthroscopy in London
How Much Does a Private Knee Arthroscopy Cost?
from £3,425*
The cost of private Knee Arthroscopy starts from £3,425* at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
*The price shown is an estimated guide to the hospital charges associated with your treatment from admission to discharge. Your final cost may vary depending on your individual clinical needs, the procedure performed, any additional treatments required, the type of implant/prosthesis used (where applicable), and the length of stay. This guide price excludes consultation fees, diagnostic tests, and professional fees charged separately by your surgeon, anaesthetist, and any other specialists involved in your care.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knee Arthroscopy
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6) and across North and Central London.
By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is a 5-minute walk to and from St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
By Bus: Routes 13, 46 and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station. Routes 139 and 189 stop on Abbey Road.
By Car: Finchley Road and Kilburn High Road provide direct routes from NW3 and NW6.
Private knee arthroscopy at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital starts from £3,425*. The final cost will depend on your individual clinical needs and the procedure performed.
Knee arthroscopy is usually considered when knee pain, locking or giving way hasn’t improved with non-surgical treatments such as rest, ice and physiotherapy, or after a severe injury. Your consultant will take your history, examine your knee and may arrange an X-ray or MRI scan before advising you.
Once any swelling has settled, you may be given a physiotherapy exercise programme (prehab) to follow before surgery, and a standard pre-operative assessment will check you are fit for the procedure. Your team will give you clear instructions on medication and fasting.
You will be welcomed by our team, shown to your room and asked to change into a gown, and you will meet your surgeon and anaesthetist before the procedure. Most patients go home the same day.
Your surgeon makes a few small incisions around the knee and inserts the arthroscope, which sends images to a screen. Using fine instruments, they then repair or remove damaged tissue before closing the incisions.
Most patients walk the same day with a knee brace or crutches. Keep the wound clean and dry, take pain relief as advised and attend your physiotherapy sessions. You will have a follow-up appointment at around two weeks, when any stitches are removed, and further check-ups may follow at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 6 months. Flights are usually restricted for six weeks (short-haul) or 12 weeks (long-haul).
Gentle movements and the exercises your physiotherapist gives you can usually begin soon after surgery, but returning to running, sport or impact exercise depends on what was done in your knee. Your consultant and physiotherapist will advise you on a safe timeline.
You can usually drive again once you can bend your knee comfortably and perform an emergency stop without pain, which varies from person to person and depends on which leg was treated. Your consultant will advise you, and you should check with your insurer.
Knee arthroscopy is not generally recommended as a treatment for knee arthritis on its own. It may help if a torn meniscus or loose fragment is causing locking or catching, and your consultant will advise whether other treatments are more suitable.
Many knee problems improve with rest, physiotherapy, weight management, anti-inflammatory medication or injections. Arthroscopy is usually recommended when these haven’t helped, and your consultant will explain which option is best for you.
Medically reviewed by Mr Sujith Konan - MBBS MD(res) MRCS FRCS(Tr&Orth), Honorary Associate Professor (UCLH) on 6/11/2026