Arthroscopy

Keyhole Surgery for Joint Pain, Performed by Specialist Surgeons

Joint pain can hold you back — from work, from movement, from living life the way you want to. At Cosmedicare and St. Ellen’s Hospitals, we offer fast access to arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat a wide range of joint problems.

Whether you’re struggling with a painful knee, shoulder, or ankle, arthroscopy can provide clarity, relief, and a quicker return to doing what you love.

Arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery that allows surgeons to look inside a joint using a tiny camera (arthroscope) and treat problems through small incisions — without the need for large cuts or open surgery.

It’s commonly used for:

• Knee pain and meniscal (cartilage) tears
• Ligament injuries (e.g. ACL)
• Shoulder impingement or rotator cuff issues
• Cartilage damage or loose fragments
• Synovitis (joint inflammation)
• Diagnosis of unexplained joint pain or swelling

At Cosmedicare, our consultant orthopaedic surgeons offer arthroscopy for:

• Knee – meniscus tears, cartilage repair, ligament assessment
• Shoulder – rotator cuff repair, impingement relief, labral tears
• Ankle – cartilage damage, removal of loose bone or scar tissue
• Wrist and elbow (selected cases)

During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your condition and explain whether arthroscopy is appropriate — or whether other options may be more effective.

• Small incisions and minimal scarring
• Faster recovery than open surgery
• Reduced risk of infection
• Often performed as a day case
• Excellent for both diagnosis and treatment

Most arthroscopies at Cosmedicare are performed under general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep and pain-free during the procedure.

In some cases — particularly minor procedures — you may be offered regional or spinal anaesthesia with light sedation. Your consultant anaesthetist will guide you through all the options during your pre-op assessment.

Recovery times vary depending on the joint and what was done during surgery, but generally:

• You’ll go home the same day
• You may need crutches or a sling for a short period
• Return to light activity within 1–2 weeks
• Full return to sports or heavy work typically in 4–8 weeks

You’ll receive a personalised recovery plan, follow-up appointments, and access to physiotherapy where needed.

Whether you’ve had imaging done already or are just starting to seek answers for joint pain, we’re here to provide clear guidance and fast access to the care you need.

• Consultant-led orthopaedic care from your first appointment
• Purpose-built hospitals in Glasgow and Livingston
• Short waiting times and same-week consultations
• Full aftercare and recovery planning
• Transparent, fixed pricing
• No GP referral required

Joint pain doesn’t have to be something you just “put up with.” At Cosmedicare, our expert orthopaedic team offers real solutions — with the precision of keyhole surgery and the support of a full medical team behind you.