How long does arthroscopic surgery take?

Arthroscopic surgery can take anywhere from around 30 minutes to several hours depending on the joint and the complexity of the procedure. A simple diagnostic arthroscopy or minor treatment may be relatively quick, while ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, or multiple repairs performed during the same operation can take considerably longer.

The time spent in hospital is longer than the actual operating time. Patients need preparation before surgery, including anaesthesia, and they are monitored afterwards in a recovery area. Many arthroscopic procedures are performed as day-care surgery, meaning the patient can return home the same day once they are medically stable and safe to mobilise.

The surgeon can provide a more accurate estimate after reviewing the planned procedure. Patients should not judge the seriousness of an operation only by how long it takes. The tissues being repaired often determine the recovery period. Even a procedure completed through small incisions may require weeks or months of rehabilitation if a ligament, tendon, or cartilage structure needs time to heal.

The planned procedure may also change slightly if the surgeon finds additional damage inside the joint. This can affect both the operating time and post-operative restrictions. Patients should ask what the most likely procedure is, what alternative findings may be treated at the same time, and whether those findings could change the expected recovery.