An arthroscopy allows Mr Lavender to see inside and assess your knee. It provides more information than scans as the knee can be moved while looking at and probing the different parts of the inside of your knee.

At the same time as assessing the inside of your knee Mr Lavender can perform many different procedures on your knee. These vary from the simple removal of torn cartilages (menisci) to complex the stimulation of new articular cartilage.

Mr Lavender will explain before your surgery what he expects to find, what procedure he expects to do and what rehabilitation will be required after the surgery.

Pre-Operative Assessment of fitness for surgery:
– This is not normally required unless there are specific problems with your general health

Contraceptive Pill (OCP):
– It is up to you
– If you wish to stop this for 6 weeks before your surgery and use a different form of contraception that is acceptable
– If you do not wish to stop using the OCP then please tell us when you come in for your surgery and we will give you an injection while you are asleep to help prevent you getting a blood clot in your leg

Stitches
– Mr Lavender usually uses stitches to close the two / three small holes in the skin. They are usually removed after 7 days when you come to see Mr Lavender in the out patients department

Driving
– You are able to drive after 24 hours unless Mr Lavender advises otherwise

Work
– Rest for the first week or two allows the knee to settle quicker
– Mr Lavender will provide a sick note if required

Kneeling
– This can be done when you feel comfortable

Flying
– You are not allowed to fly for 6 weeks following your surgery, due to the risk of blood clots in your legs

Sport
– This depends on what procedure Mr Lavender carries out. He will advise you before you go home and again at your follow up appointment

Mr Lavender will normally see you at 2 weeks after the operation to explain what he has done and what he expects in the future