Knee arthroscopy, often called keyhole knee surgery, allows me to look directly inside the knee and treat certain problems through small incisions using a camera and specialist instruments. It can be extremely useful for the right problem, but not every painful knee benefits from an arthroscopy. Establishing exactly what is causing your symptoms comes first.
I offer specialist assessment and keyhole knee surgery for adults and young people in Reading, Berkshire and London, including private, insured and self-funding patients.
A knee arthroscopy is a keyhole operation in which a small camera is passed into the knee, allowing the structures within the joint to be carefully assessed.
Through additional small incisions, instruments can be introduced to treat problems within the knee at the same operation where appropriate.
The most common reason for knee arthroscopy is a meniscal problem, particularly a tear causing pain, catching or mechanical symptoms.
Arthroscopy can also be used for selected cartilage problems, loose fragments within the knee and certain other conditions where keyhole assessment and treatment are appropriate.
Read more: Meniscal surgery →
Read more: Cartilage injury → · Loose body in the knee →
Usually not.
We now understand that routine keyhole surgery is generally not helpful for the pain of straightforward osteoarthritis.
If your symptoms are predominantly caused by arthritis, I will talk through the more appropriate non-operative or surgical options rather than recommending an arthroscopy simply because something abnormal appears on an MRI scan.
Read more: Knee arthritis →
An MRI scan can identify all sorts of abnormalities within a knee, but not everything seen on a scan needs treating.
I take time to understand your symptoms, examine your knee and review your imaging before deciding whether keyhole surgery is likely to help.
If arthroscopy is appropriate, I will explain what I expect to find, what can be treated during the operation and what to expect afterwards. You will receive more detailed written information after your consultation.
A consultation does not commit you to having an operation.
Your first appointment involves discussing your symptoms, examining your knee and reviewing any X-rays or MRI scans you have already had.
We can then decide whether arthroscopy is likely to help or whether another treatment would be more appropriate.
There is no pressure to make a decision on the day.
Read more: Patient journey →
I offer private knee consultations in Reading, Henley, Windsor and London and treat both insured and self-funding patients.
If you are considering paying for your own knee assessment or keyhole surgery, you can contact Debbie, my secretary, directly.
Read more: Fees →
Yes. Knee arthroscopy is the medical term for keyhole surgery of the knee.
Meniscal tears and related mechanical symptoms are among the most common reasons for keyhole knee surgery.
Often, yes. Arthroscopy allows the whole inside of the knee to be carefully assessed, and other relevant problems can often be treated during the same operation where appropriate.
No. Meniscal tears are common and not all cause symptoms or require surgery. Your symptoms, examination, age, activity and the type of tear all help determine whether treatment is appropriate.
If you are using private medical insurance, your insurer may require a referral or authorisation.
If you are self-funding, you can contact Debbie directly.
If you have persistent knee pain, catching, locking or other mechanical symptoms, the first step is to establish what is causing them and whether keyhole surgery is likely to help.
NEV DAVIES
FRCS (Tr & Orth), Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon
Written and reviewed by Mr Nev Davies FRCS (Tr & Orth), Consultant Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgeon and specialist knee surgeon. Last reviewed: September 2026.
This page provides general information about knee arthroscopy and cannot take account of your individual circumstances. It should not be treated as personal medical advice.