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General health information

Knee arthroscopy

Keyhole surgery of the knee is called knee arthroscopy. The doctor looks inside the joint with a camera and may provide treatment immediately. It has useful applications, but does not help every type of knee pain. Benefits are often limited for wear-related changes or general osteoarthritis. After surgery, watch for infection, blood clots, increasing swelling and pain that does not gradually improve.

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  • Keyhole surgery of the knee is called arthroscopy.
  • The procedure may help with some meniscus problems or locking, but does not improve every type of knee pain.
  • For osteoarthritis or general wear-related changes, benefits are often limited and surgery is not always performed.
  • After the procedure, watch for swelling, infection and blood clots.
  • Outside office hours, call HAP 9252 for urgent GP care. Call 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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