Before Your Knee Arthroscopy Operation

I will discuss the pros and cons of surgical vs non-surgical treatment and a tailor a treatment plan to your individual needs. Once a mutually agreed decision to have surgery has been made, you will be listed for surgery. You will be taken through the consent process and asked to sign a form.

Depending on your health and general fitness level you may receive an appointment to attend the pre-operative assessment clinic. Your relative/carer is also encouraged to attend with you. During this appointment a detailed medical history will be taken. A blood sample may be required, heart tracing may be taken (ECG), swabs will be taken to check for the presence of bacteria (MRSA). We may need to organise other investigations based on your individual needs to ensure you are optimised and safe prior to having your operation.

Before you come into hospital it is important you are as fit as possible for your operation. You can do this with a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise. We appreciate walking may be painful, but a lot of exercises can be done by sitting in a chair or laying down in bed. If possible, avoid activities that cause repetitive impact such as jogging and running.

It is important that your skin is in good condition, as wounds or rashes on the skin increase the chances of you getting an infection. If you have any concerns regarding your skin in the days leading up to your operation, we strongly advise you to let us know.

Day of Your Knee Arthroscopy Operation

You will be welcomed on to the ward by one of our friendly healthcare professionals. You will meet the nurse or healthcare assistant who will methodically go through your admission paperwork and carry out a few baseline observations.

You will meet the anaesthetist who will discuss the anaesthetic plan with you. We usually tend to do the operation under a general anaesthetic.

You will meet me, and I will confirm the operation plan with you and will happily answer any questions that you might have. The operation lasts approximately 30 minutes or less.

After Your Knee Arthroscopy Operation

You will have a bulky bandage around your knee which will be on for approximately 48 hours. Rarely one might experience mild to moderate discomfort.  Most patients are relatively settled and comfortable as I infiltrate local anaesthetic following surgery into the knee. You will be given pain killers to take home to help manage any potential discomfort after you are discharged.

Most patients will be able to mobilise full weight bearing after their arthroscopy. In the rarer occasions, such as in the case of a meniscal repair, you will need to mobilise with crutches for a few weeks and will not be allowed to weight bear through your knee.

Knee arthroscopy is a day case procedure, i.e. you go home the same day of your surgery. Please do not drive yourself and ensure you have made arrangements to be taken home by a responsible adult.  General anaesthesia temporarily affects your co-ordination and reasoning skills, so you must not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 24 hours afterwards. In a very small proportion of cases people may need stay one night in hospital after the operation.

After you go home, you will need to continue with the exercises you were taught on the ward by the physiotherapist. It is very important for you to attend out-patient physiotherapy appointments if these are required or have been booked. If you cannot attend these appointments kindly let the physiotherapists on the ward know prior to your discharge allowing them to make alternative arrangements.

Highly Experienced

I am an experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with 23 years of experience working as an NHS doctor and as a consultant since 2018.

Qualified Surgeon

I attained my higher surgical training in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery and have also done two prestigious fellowships in lower limb arthroplasty.

Hi-Tech Equipment

All my operations are carried out at first class facilities with hi-tech equipment so you can rest assured you are receiving the highest quality treatment.

Ongoing Patient Care

All my patients receive the best care possible, including consultations with myself before and after the operation and care from our healthcare team on the day.

I am 7 weeks and 6 days post op, for a complicated left hip replacement. Essentially I had no socket for my left hip. Mr Magra virtually reconstructed my whole upper leg. The chronic pain beforehand meant I was unable to walk much more than 100m without intense pain. Post op I have completed in excess of 2 miles with 2 crutches and 1 mile with a single crutch and I am now starting tingling confidence to lose the crutches altogether. I honestly cannot tell you how much of a difference Mr Magra and his team have made to my life.

Patient at Royal Lancaster Infirmary

I consider myself very fortunate to have been under the care of Mr Magra for two knee replacement operations. Recovery from my recent left knee replacement operation on 29th November 2022 has been amazing. Within a couple of weeks I was comfortably managing to walk unaided. Seven weeks later and I can walk for some distance without any pain. The level of care and expertise I experienced was exceptional. Mr Magra and following support from staff ensured I gained a positive and speedy recovery.

Patient at The Lancaster Hospital (Circle Health Group)

I can’t speak highly enough of Mr Magra’s skill. I’m in mid-recovery (7 weeks) after total hip replacement following severe osteoarthritis, and despite my age (82!) I’m absolutely delighted. Mr Magra is a charming and empathetic surgeon, who treats his patients with the utmost care and professionalism. I’m particularly impressed with his use of very accurate X-rays to pre-plan his operations, which has certainly paid off in my case. After nearly two years of pain, eventually almost unable to climb or descend stairs, I’m rediscovering the delights of walking freely, easily and with pleasure. Heartfelt thanks!

Patient at The Lancaster Hospital (Circle Health Group)

I have been in the care of Mr Magra now for a year and he has been amazing. I’ve had 2 hip replacements – one in April and the other in November – the first was great the second more complicated but throughout Mr Magra has been very informative and caring. He’s never in a rush and answers all your questions to put you at ease. I am looking forward to returning to my active life now I am pain-free and mobile due to his skill. I only accept the best which is why I chose Mr Magra as he is excellent and would highly recommend him.

Patient at The Lancaster Hospital (Circle Health Group)