Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Abroad

“Before I travelled to Latvia for my knee surgery, I was hesitant. But honestly, it felt more like checking into a hotel than a hospital. My room was private and spotless, with a big window and meals brought in three times a day. It was quiet, calm, and the staff couldn’t have been more attentive. That level of comfort helped me recover quickly, and I never felt rushed out the door.”

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“Is it safe?”

“I had the same question. But after speaking with my care coordinator and reading about the clinic’s certifications, I felt reassured. The hospital in Poland was modern and far cleaner than the NHS ward I’d visited previously. My surgeon explained everything clearly, and all the nurses spoke fluent English. By the time I left, I felt I’d received care that matched,or exceeded,what I could have had in the UK.”

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Price Comparison: EU vs UK

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Whether you need a diagnostic procedure or a more advanced intervention, keyhole knee surgery abroad offers real value - without compromising on safety or care. For more information on full joint replacement options, see our detailed guide to knee surgery replacement costs.

What Happens During Knee Arthroscopy?

• A tiny camera (arthroscope) is inserted through a small incision.
• Saline is used to expand the joint for visibility.
• The surgeon removes or repairs damaged tissue (e.g., meniscus).
• The procedure usually takes 30–90 minutes under spinal or general anaesthesia.
• Small stitches close the incision.

Common conditions treated:

• Meniscus tears (horizontal, radial, complex)
• Ligament injuries (minor repairs)
• Loose cartilage fragments
• Synovial inflammation,especially compared to the more invasive surgeries they feared it might resemble. If your consultant has advised knee arthroscopy, it's likely because it's the safest and most efficient option for your condition.

What Recovery Looks Like After Meniscus or Keyhole Surgery

Week 1–4:

• Primary goals are to control swelling and pain using ice, elevation, and prescribed medication.
• Begin gentle range-of-motion exercises.
• Walking may begin with crutches, typically weaned off by the end of Week 2 for most patients.
• Most patients can return to sedentary work or desk-based tasks by Week 3, depending on their progress and surgeon advice.

Week 4–8:

• Physiotherapy becomes more structured, with a focus on restoring full range of motion and beginning light strength exercises (e.g., bodyweight squats, straight-leg raises).
• Some patients may start using a stationary bike or swimming (with no twisting or kicking motions).
• Stiffness and occasional discomfort are normal but should continue to improve.

Week 8–12:

• Most patients resume low-impact sports or fitness activities such as cycling, aqua therapy, elliptical training, or gentle yoga.
• Physiotherapy focuses on regaining neuromuscular control and building quadriceps strength.
• Return to light manual jobs or prolonged standing may be possible by Week 10, depending on surgeon clearance.

Month 3 onwards:

• Full functional recovery is expected for the majority of patients.
• Return to higher-impact activity (e.g., running, racket sports) may be considered after a successful clinical assessment.
• Ongoing home exercise and maintenance routines are advised to ensure long-term joint health.

Additional Notes:

• Crutches or a knee brace may be needed for 1–2 weeks, depending on procedure complexity.
• Rehab options include outpatient physiotherapy or daily in-clinic sessions if you stay abroad for longer recovery.
• Adherence to physiotherapy significantly impacts long-term outcomes; most clinics provide a take-home recovery plan.

Where Will I Go?

Popular destinations include:

• Allmedica Clinic – Nowy Targ, Poland
  Located near Kraków, Allmedica Clinic combines modern surgical facilities with personalised care. The clinic is known for its fast scheduling, transparent pricing, and English-speaking staff. Patients receive one-to-one pre-op and post-op attention, with private hospital accommodation included in the package. Direct flights from the UK to Kraków make travel convenient, with a short transfer to the clinic.
  “The facilities were spotless, and I had surgery within 10 days of making an enquiry. It felt like a private UK hospital, but much more affordable.”
• ORTO Klīnika – Riga, Latvia
  ORTO is one of the leading orthopaedic clinics in the Baltics, specialising in joint and sports injury procedures. With over 15 years' experience and a focus on minimally invasive arthroscopy, it offers tailored treatment packages for international patients. English-speaking coordinators help manage travel, hospital admission, and aftercare. Flights to Riga are available from most major UK airports.
  “I travelled from Birmingham to Riga, had keyhole knee surgery, and was back home in four days. The surgeon explained everything clearly, and the team was exceptional throughout.”

Is Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Overseas Safe?

Arthroscopic knee surgery performed abroad can be just as safe,and in some cases safer,than the equivalent procedure done privately in the UK. Clinics in Poland, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic are regulated under EU healthcare directives and operate to strict hygiene, sterilisation, and patient safety protocols.

• Many clinics have ISO 9001 or JCI certifications, ensuring rigorous quality control.
• Surgeons at major centres often carry UK General Medical Council (GMC) or similar international certifications.
• Some of these surgeons perform over 400 arthroscopies annually, with published complication rates under 1%, according to clinic data.

One patient, Robert L. from Gloucester, wrote: “I was nervous about travelling to Riga, but the care was better than any I’d experienced in the UK. The hospital was spotless, the staff were kind, and I was home in five days walking without pain."

Why patients feel confident:

• English-speaking surgical and nursing teams: ensures clear communication throughout
• Private ensuite rooms, 24/7 nurse availability, and daily cleaning protocols
• Transparent, fixed-fee packages: all costs agreed in advance, with no unexpected extras

Clinics abroad also offer better post-op monitoring than many UK NHS settings due to smaller patient loads, allowing more time per patient. The majority of international patients report high satisfaction and say they would recommend the experience.

How to Book Your Knee Surgery Abroad

Booking your knee surgery abroad is straightforward and fully supported by us from day one. Here’s how it works:

Step-by-step:

1. Speak to a patient care coordinator – Your first step is to have a friendly chat with one of our dedicated coordinators. They’ll listen to your needs, answer questions about the procedure, and walk you through the options that best suit your case. No pressure, just honest guidance.
2. Receive a personalised treatment plan – Based on your medical history and requirements, you’ll be given a full quote with treatment details, travel timings, and recovery expectations. You’ll know exactly what’s included and what to expect.
3. Schedule your treatment – Once you're happy with the proposal, you can book a surgery date. Most procedures are scheduled within 2–4 weeks, depending on availability.
4. Travel and receive treatment – Our team will help arrange everything from airport transfers to hotel recommendations. You’ll have local support from English-speaking coordinators at every stage, from check-in to discharge.
5. Post-surgery follow-up – After you return home, you’ll receive written recovery instructions, remote check-in appointments if needed, and a copy of your treatment records to share with your GP or physiotherapist.

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