Where in Dubai
Dr. Subhash sees knee injuries at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, next to the Grand Excelsior Hotel. Knee injuries often follow a twist at football, at the gym or at work. At the first visit he examines the knee and decides whether you need an MRI. If keyhole surgery is advised, he tells you which hospital it will be in and what your insurance needs.
What is knee arthroscopy (keyhole knee surgery)?
Knee arthroscopy is keyhole surgery. The surgeon makes two or three small cuts, each about a centimetre long, and passes in a thin camera called an arthroscope. The picture appears on a screen, and fine instruments go in through the other cuts to repair what is found. It is used for torn cartilage (meniscus), torn ligaments, loose pieces of bone or cartilage, and small areas of damaged joint surface. Because the cuts are small, most people go home the same day. Arthroscopy is not usually helpful for knee pain caused by general wear and tear (osteoarthritis) alone.
Who it can help
- A knee that locks, catches or gets stuck, often after a twisting injury.
- A knee that gives way, especially when turning or changing direction.
- A meniscus or ligament tear seen on MRI that has not settled with physiotherapy.
- A loose piece of bone or cartilage floating in the joint.
- A small, defined area of damaged joint cartilage in a younger, active person.
How Dr. Subhash approaches it
Arthroscopy is one of Dr. Subhash's stated main interests. His knee work includes meniscus repair, ligament reconstruction, smoothing of damaged cartilage (chondroplasty) and OATS, where small plugs of healthy cartilage and bone are moved to fill a damaged patch. Before surgery he explains what the operation is meant to fix, what it cannot fix, and whether physiotherapy alone is worth trying first.
What to expect
Consultation
He examines the knee, asks how the injury happened and reviews any scans. An MRI is often needed to see the meniscus and ligaments.
Deciding together
He explains what he expects to find and do, the risks and the recovery. Insurance pre-approval is arranged once a plan is agreed.
The day of surgery
Most knee arthroscopies are day surgery. The operation often takes 30 to 60 minutes under a spinal or general anaesthetic.
Going home
You go home with dressings on the small cuts and, often, crutches. You need someone to drive you.
Physiotherapy and follow-up
Exercises start within days. He reviews the wounds and your progress at about one to two weeks and explains what he found.
Recovery, in general terms
Every patient is different. These are typical milestones, not a promise; your own plan comes from your consultation.
- Walking with crutches on the day, often putting full weight down within days after a simple procedure.
- Desk work after about one to two weeks.
- Driving after about one to three weeks, once you can brake hard without pain.
- Sport after about six weeks for simple procedures. A meniscus repair or ligament reconstruction takes months.
- Swelling may last a few weeks. Ice, raising the leg and exercises help.
Risks to know about
- Infection in the joint or the small cuts, which is uncommon.
- A blood clot in the leg.
- Bleeding or swelling inside the knee.
- Stiffness, or a patch of numb skin near a cut.
When to book a visit
Book a visit if your knee locks, gives way or stays swollen after an injury, or if pain has not settled in a few weeks. After arthroscopy, call the clinic the same day for a fever, a hot and very swollen knee, leaking wounds or a painful calf.
Where to book
Dr. Subhash sees patients at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, in north-east Dubai. The clinic is at Shop No. 4, next to the Grand Excelsior Hotel.
Grand Infinity Medical Center
Shop No. 4, next to Grand Excelsior Hotel, Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Questions patients ask
How soon can I go back to work in Dubai after knee arthroscopy?
Office workers often return in one to two weeks. Jobs with long standing, climbing or lifting usually need longer. He can give you a medical report for your employer.
Can keyhole surgery fix knee arthritis?
Usually not. Research has shown that washing out or trimming an arthritic knee does not help most people more than exercise and other treatment. Arthroscopy is useful for a specific problem, such as a locking meniscus tear, rather than general wear.
Will I stay overnight?
Most people go home the same day. An overnight stay may be advised if you have other health problems or a larger repair. You will need an adult to take you home.
Do I need an MRI before the operation?
Often, yes. An MRI shows the meniscus, ligaments and cartilage, and helps plan the operation. If you already have one, bring the images and the report to your first visit.
Book an appointment
The clinic confirms every booking by phone or WhatsApp.