Knee Arthroscopy

Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems. Mr. Ali Raza, a highly experienced orthopaedic consultant in Stirling and Glasgow, offers expert arthroscopic surgery with a focus on fast recovery and long-term joint health.
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Knee pain can seriously affect mobility and quality of life, whether it's caused by injury, cartilage damage, or long-term wear and tear. Knee arthroscopy offers a safe, effective, and minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat joint problems, often avoiding the need for larger incisions or more complex surgery.

Mr. Ali Raza is a leading consultant orthopaedic surgeon with specialist expertise in treating knee conditions using advanced arthroscopic techniques. Based in Glasgow and Stirling, he provides tailored treatment plans, precise surgical care, and comprehensive post-operative support for patients across Scotland.

What is Knee Arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is a keyhole surgery performed using a small camera (arthroscope) and fine instruments inserted through tiny incisions around the knee. It allows the surgeon to diagnose and treat conditions inside the joint, including:

  • Meniscal (cartilage) tears
  • Ligament injuries
  • Damaged cartilage
  • Loose bone fragments
  • Inflammation or synovial issues

The procedure is commonly recommended when knee pain, swelling, or restricted movement hasn’t improved with physiotherapy or medication. Because the approach is minimally invasive, recovery is typically faster and less painful than traditional open surgery.

Who Can Benefit from Knee Arthroscopy?

You may be a good candidate for knee arthroscopy if you have:

  • Ongoing knee pain not responding to conservative treatment
  • Mechanical symptoms (e.g. locking, catching, or giving way)
  • Suspected meniscal or ligament injury
  • Swelling and stiffness due to inflammation or cartilage damage

Mr. Raza offers thorough assessments in Glasgow and Stirling, using imaging and physical examinations to determine whether arthroscopy is appropriate and to create a personalised treatment plan.

Knee Arthroscopy in Stirling and Glasgow: The Procedure

Pre-operative Preparation

Before your procedure, you’ll attend a pre-assessment to review your overall health and ensure you’re ready for surgery. You may be advised to:

  • Stop medications such as blood thinners
  • Follow fasting instructions
  • Complete basic tests (e.g. blood tests, ECG)
  • Arrange for someone to accompany you home after surgery

Mr. Raza will explain the procedure in detail during your consultation and address any questions or concerns you may have.

The Surgery Itself

Knee arthroscopy is usually performed under general or spinal anaesthesia and takes around 30–60 minutes. Mr. Raza makes 2–3 small incisions around the knee to insert the arthroscope and specialised instruments. Sterile fluid is used to gently expand the joint for better visibility.

Once the issue is identified, such as a torn meniscus or damaged cartilage, Mr. Raza will trim, repair or remove tissue as needed. The incisions are then closed with small sutures or adhesive strips, and a dressing is applied.

Mr. Raza performs knee arthroscopy at two leading private hospitals in Scotland:

  • Circle Health Ross Hall Hospital, Glasgow – A cutting-edge medical facility with advanced theatres and on-site recovery support.
  • Kings Park Hospital, Stirling – Renowned for its calm, patient-focused environment and excellent orthopaedic care.

Both locations offer easy access, expert nursing teams, and modern surgical infrastructure to support your care journey.

Duration and Post-operative Care

Knee arthroscopy is typically a day-case procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. After surgery:

  • You’ll recover in a monitored setting for a few hours.
  • A compression bandage is applied to control swelling.
  • Crutches may be provided for short-term support.
  • Pain is managed with medication, and you’ll be given instructions on gentle exercises to begin at home.
  • In some cases, physiotherapy starts within a few days to aid early mobility.

You’ll also be given a follow-up appointment with Mr. Raza to review your recovery.

Recovery and Aftercare

Every patient’s recovery is different, depending on the condition treated and the extent of the surgery. General recovery milestones include:

  • 0–2 weeks: Use of crutches; rest and elevation; early physiotherapy begins.
  • 2–6 weeks: Gradual improvement in mobility and strength; pain and swelling reduce.
  • 6–12 weeks: Return to work and most normal activities.
  • 3–4 months: Full return to sport or high-impact exercise, if advised by your consultant.

Mr. Raza provides tailored rehabilitation plans and works closely with physiotherapists to ensure your recovery stays on track.

Risks and Complications

Knee arthroscopy is considered very safe, but like any surgical procedure, it carries some risk. Possible complications include:

  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Stiffness or swelling
  • Persistent knee pain (in some cases)

Mr. Raza takes extensive precautions to reduce risks and provides detailed post-op instructions to support your recovery. If you experience increasing pain, redness, or difficulty moving the joint, contact the care team immediately.

Why Choose Mr. Ali Raza for Knee Arthroscopy?

Mr. Ali Raza is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic consultant with advanced training in knee preservation and sports injury management. His patients benefit from:

  • Specialist expertise in minimally invasive knee surgery
  • Access to top-tier hospitals in Glasgow and Stirling
  • A personalised, patient-first approach from consultation to recovery
  • Proven experience with both routine and complex arthroscopic procedures

Whether you’re managing a sports injury or long-standing joint pain, Mr. Raza offers the expert care and support needed to get you moving again.

FAQs

Is knee arthroscopy painful?
You may experience mild discomfort after the procedure, but pain is usually well-controlled with medication and improves quickly.

How long is recovery after knee arthroscopy?
Most patients return to light activities within 2–6 weeks and fully recover by 3–4 months.

Do I need physiotherapy?
Yes, physiotherapy is essential for regaining mobility and strength after the procedure.

Will I need stitches removed?
Sutures used are often dissolvable or removed at your follow-up appointment, depending on what’s used.

Book Your Consultation

If knee pain is affecting your daily life or stopping you from doing what you love, speak to Mr. Ali Raza about whether knee arthroscopy is right for you. Contact us today to book your consultation at one of Mr. Raza’s clinics in Glasgow or Stirling.

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Price guide for self-pay patients

What sets us apart

Our clinic is committed to providing exceptional care, prioritising patient well-being while offering cutting-edge treatment solutions.

Consultant at Top Private Hospitals

Mr. Raza sees patients at Circle Ross Hall in Glasgow and Kings Park in Stirling—two of Scotland’s leading orthopaedic centres.

Expert in Bariatric Joint Replacement

One of the few orthopaedic surgeons in the UK offering bariatric arthroplasty, Mr. Raza provides safe and effective joint replacement surgery for patients with high BMI, including those who may have been declined surgery elsewhere.

Faster Recovery with Modern Techniques

Trained at leading centres of excellence, Mr. Raza uses minimally invasive techniques and enhanced recovery protocols to reduce pain, minimise scarring, and help patients return to normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.

Specialist in Complex Joint Conditions

With extensive experience in managing complex joint problems, Mr. Raza specialises in treating failed joint replacements, severe deformities, hip dysplasia, and advanced arthritis of the hip and knee, providing tailored solutions even for the most challenging cases.

Practice billing

We provide flexible billing options tailored to meet your needs and circumstances

Contact

For more information or to discuss your questions or enquiries, get in touch with our team today.

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Ross Hall Hospital

Circle Kings Park Hospital

Ross Hall Hospital

221 Crookston Rd, Glasgow G52 3NQ, United Kingdom

Working hours
Everyday: 8 am–11 pm

Circle Kings Park Hospital

Polmaise Rd, Stirling FK7 9JH, United Kingdom

Working hours
Weekdays: 8 am–11 pm
Weekends: Closed