Arthroscopic & Minimally Invasive Surgeries

Health Journeys connects you with leading orthopaedic specialists offering advanced arthroscopic and minimally invasive procedures, from knee ligament and meniscus repairs to shoulder stabilisation and rotator cuff surgery, at internationally accredited hospitals abroad. Each treatment is tailored to your needs, combining expert surgeons, the latest keyhole techniques, and compassionate aftercare to help you recover faster, move freely, and get back to the activities you love.

What is Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive keyhole procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems. A tiny camera called an arthroscope is inserted through a small incision, allowing the surgeon to see inside the joint and repair or remove damaged tissue using fine instruments. It’s commonly used for the knee, shoulder, hip, and ankle.
Arthroscopy is recommended when joint pain, stiffness, or swelling doesn’t improve with non-surgical treatment, and scans show damage that may be corrected. It’s often used to treat torn cartilage or ligaments, loose bone fragments, inflammation, or impingement in the joint.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, performed under either local or general anaesthetic depending on the joint and your health. Most people go home the same day. Because the incisions are small, there’s usually less pain, minimal scarring, and quicker recovery than open surgery.
Depending on the extent of the repair, many people return to light activities in 1–2 weeks, and to full activity or sport within 6–12 weeks, with physiotherapy support. Health Journeys helps organise post-surgery follow-ups and rehabilitation guidance to keep your recovery on track.
Most patients experience less pain, improved movement, and faster recovery compared with open surgery. Arthroscopy can diagnose and treat problems in a single procedure, helping you return to normal life and activities sooner.

Types of Arthroscopic Surgery

ACL repair

What is your ACL?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the main stabilising ligaments in your knee. It connects the thigh bone to the shin bone and helps keep the knee steady during twisting or pivoting movements. Injuries often occur during sports or sudden changes in direction, leading to pain, swelling, and instability.

Who needs an ACL repair?

ACL surgery is recommended when the ligament is completely torn and causes the knee to give way, or when instability prevents you from returning to normal activities or sport. Younger or more active patients are especially likely to benefit from repair or reconstruction.

How is the ACL repair surgery done?

ACL repair is performed arthroscopically, using a camera and instruments through small keyhole incisions. The torn ligament is either reattached or replaced with a graft. The new graft is fixed to the bones with small screws or anchors to restore knee stability.

What is the recovery following an ACL repair?

Most patients go home the same day. You’ll use crutches for the first couple of weeks, and physiotherapy begins almost immediately to restore movement and build strength. Light activities typically resume within 6–8 weeks, while returning to full sport or impact exercise usually takes 6–12 months. Health Journeys supports your recovery with remote surgeon follow-ups and physiotherapy guidance once you return home.

What are the results of an ACL repair?

ACL surgery helps restore knee stability, confidence, and movement, allowing you to return to normal activities and sports safely. Most patients experience long-term pain relief and improved knee strength when they follow a guided rehabilitation programme.

PCL repair

What is your PCL?

The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is one of the main stabilising ligaments in your knee. It sits behind the ACL and connects the thigh bone to the shin bone, preventing the shin from moving too far backward. PCL injuries often occur from a direct blow to the front of the knee.

Who needs a PCL repair?

A PCL repair or reconstruction may be needed when the ligament is completely torn, the knee feels unstable, or other ligaments are injured as well. Milder sprains often heal with physiotherapy, but surgery may be advised if symptoms persist or if you need full stability for work or sports.

How is a PCL repair surgery done?

PCL surgery is typically performed arthroscopically through small incisions. The damaged ligament is either repaired directly or replaced using a tendon graft. The graft is fixed to the bones with small screws or anchors to recreate the natural ligament and restore knee stability.

What is the recovery following a PCL repair?

Most people go home the same day. You’ll wear a knee brace and use crutches for several weeks to protect the repair. Physiotherapy starts early to restore movement and strength. Daily activities usually resume within 6–8 weeks, and full recovery takes around 6–12 months. Health Journeys supports your progress with remote surgeon follow-ups and physiotherapy planning once you’re home.

What are the results following a PCL repair?

Successful PCL repair or reconstruction restores knee stability, strength, and confidence in movement. Most patients experience long-term improvement in pain and function, helping them return safely to everyday life and sport with a stronger, more stable knee.

Rotator Cuff repair

Who needs a rotator cuff repair?

This surgery is recommended when a rotator cuff tear causes persistent pain, weakness, or loss of movement that doesn’t improve with physiotherapy or medication. Surgery helps restore shoulder strength and function for lifting, reaching, and everyday use.

How is a rotator cuff repair done?

Rotator cuff repair surgery aims to reattach a torn tendon to the top of the upper arm bone. It’s usually performed arthroscopically, using a small camera and fine instruments inserted through keyhole incisions. The torn tendon is anchored back to the bone with small sutures or implants. In some complex cases, an open or mini-open approach may be used instead, depending on the extent of the injury.

Is a rotator cuff repair a major procedure?

Rotator cuff repair is usually a minimally invasive procedure performed under general anaesthetic. Most patients go home the same day. While it’s not considered major surgery, recovery can take time because tendons heal slowly and require rehabilitation for full strength and movement.

What is the recovery following a rotator cuff repair?

Gentle movement exercises start early under the guidance of a physiotherapist. Most patients regain everyday function within 3–6 months, while full strength and flexibility may take up to a year. Health Journeys helps coordinate aftercare, physiotherapy, and remote follow-ups for smooth recovery once you’re home.

What are the expected results following a rotator cuff repair?

Most people experience lasting pain relief, improved strength, and better shoulder movement after rotator cuff repair. With proper rehabilitation, results are long-lasting, helping you return to normal life and function with confidence.

Still Have Questions?

Your Journey Starts Here.

Our UK-based patient care team is here to answer your questions and help you explore your treatment options with confidence. At Health Journeys, we know every patient’s journey is unique. Submit an enquiry to find out more and our medical travel specialists will reach out to discuss your options and answer your questions, all during your free initial consultation.