Manipulation of joints under anaesthetic

MUA

Surgery to help restore motion and relieve discomfort in your spine, shoulders, hips, knees and feet

Email us

HCA UK Booking Line:

020 7079 4344

About manipulating a joint under anaesthetic

Injuries, surgery, trapped tissue or inflammation can cause the joints in your body to become stiff and painful. If physiotherapy isn't helping, your consultant may recommend manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA). It can increase the range of movement in your joints and help relieve discomfort.

Need to know

  • What happens during manipulation under anaesthetic? icon plus

    What happens during your procedure depends on which joint is being manipulated and what you've discussed with your consultant. MUA is usually carried out under general anaesthetic.

    Your consultant will move your joint to its full range of motion and will stretch the surrounding muscle. They may use a flexible tube with a camera on the end (arthroscope) to operate on the joint itself. If so, your consultant will make a small cut in your skin and guide the arthroscope into your body. The images from the camera will help your consultant operate in a minimally invasive precise way. The procedure should take around 20 minutes.

  • How to prepare icon plus

    Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions. If you're having general anaesthetic, they'll also tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand.

  • After your procedure icon plus

    Before you come round from your anaesthetic, your consultant will usually give you a pain relief injection. You should be able to go home on the day, but please arrange for someone to take you home as you won't be able to drive.

    Your joint will probably be swollen or sore for a few days. Try to rest it, keep it elevated and put ice on it. Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including exercise and work. To help you maintain your range of motion and lead a more active life, they might recommend that you have a course of physiotherapy.

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.

More about self funding your treatment

Our orthopaedic consultants

We're proud to work with leading orthopaedic experts across a range of medical fields, whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.

Our locations

From complex orthopaedic surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional orthopaedic care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.

Request an orthopaedic appointment

We're happy to help you make an appointment with an experienced orthopaedic or sports medicine consultant. We can also arrange imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments.

Call us today

020 7079 4344
Book an appointment
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
back to top