The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
Arthroscopic debridement
The process of washing and removing debris from a damaged joint. This is a minimally invasive procedure typically to remove damaged cartilage, typical in cases of arthritis and joint instability such as knee, hip, ankle or wrist.
What is an arthroscopic debridement?
Arthroscopic debridement removes damaged cartilage from inside an affected joint. It forms part of an arthroscopy, where a surgeon repairs torn cartilage in the knee or ankle.
Your surgeon will typically wash any debris out from around your joint and remove any remaining fragments with surgical tweezers.
Need to know
This minimally invasive type of keyhole surgery is performed on the lining of the affected joint (commonly the ankle or knee). Your surgeon will make a tiny cut to examine your joint using a small surgical camera (arthroscope). They will then wash out any loose material caused by the wear of the joint surfaces. It's usually possible to trim or repair torn cartilage without making a larger cut. They will then close the cut with stitches.
You'll either have general anaesthetic, or local anaesthetic, where you will be awake with the affected area numbed. The operation usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Your consultant will tell you how best to prepare for the surgery. If you are having general anaesthetic your consultant will let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking for.
You should be able to go home on the same day as your surgery. It's common for the affected joint to be a little swollen for a few weeks. Walking may be uncomfortable.
Regular exercise should help you to get back to normal as soon as possible, including work. Before you start exercising, ask your consultant for advice. Your consultant will let you know how long it will take to get back to your usual routine. They will also be able to tell you if you are likely to experience further problems with the joint.
Paying for medical treatment
You don’t need health insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.
Our arthroscopic debridement locations
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road SK9 1NY Wilmslow
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Book an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist
Removing cartilage debris from a joint can be performed by a keyhole (arthroscopic) procedure. Contact us today to get an appointment with an orthopaedic consultant who can talk through treatments for your joint pain.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.