You will usually be given a general anaesthetic which means you’ll be asleep. The operation takes about 30 minutes to one hour.
Your surgeon will make a number of small cuts on your knee and insert a telescopic camera and surgical instruments.
The cartilage is either removed or shaved until the surface is smooth and stable, and your surgeon will close the cuts with surgical tape or dissolvable stitches.
You should be able to return home and bear weight on the joint on the same day of the operation.
You will need to use crutches for a few days after surgery and might need to ice your knee if it’s still swollen. Any pain should be manageable with over-the-counter painkillers.
You’ll need to keep your wounds dry for 48 hours after the operation to help the healing process.
If you have a desk job, you can usually return to work within a couple of days.
Those with more physical jobs may take longer to recover. You will be given some exercises to help strengthen your knee, and may be referred to a physiotherapist.
You should be able to resume sports or exercise within four to six weeks.
