Do you need a referral for knee arthroscopy?

The referral begins an assessment, not an automatic booking for surgery. An orthopaedic or sports-medicine specialist reviews how the knee was injured, locking or giving-way episodes, swelling, activity limits, examination findings, and imaging. Arthroscopy may be considered for selected problems inside the joint, while physiotherapy, medication, or another operation may be more appropriate for other causes of knee pain. The clinician explains the purpose of any procedure and whether non-surgical care should be tried first.

Ask the clinic whether it accepts self-referrals and whether a primary-care referral is needed. If you are referred, provide the injury date, previous treatment, scan reports, and a list of medicines. Mention episodes of true locking, repeated swelling, instability, or inability to work or exercise. Check whether your insurer requires approval before specialist review or surgery, because administrative requirements differ between plans and providers.

Seek urgent care after a major injury if the knee is visibly deformed, you cannot bear weight, the foot becomes cold or numb, or pain and swelling are severe. Seek prompt medical advice for a hot swollen knee with fever. These warning signs need timely assessment rather than waiting for a routine arthroscopy referral.

Ask what finding makes arthroscopy reasonable, which alternatives are available, what recovery involves, whether physiotherapy is needed beforehand, and what symptoms should change the urgency of care.