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Arthroscopy – Minimally Invasive Joint Surgery
Arthroscopic diagnosis and treatment for knee, shoulder, hip. Minimally invasive, rapid recovery. English-speaking surgical specialist Dr. Diedrich. 20+ years.
Arthroscopy is minimally invasive surgery that uses a small camera to visualise and treat problems inside joints. We only perform arthroscopy when conservative treatments have failed or when there is a clear surgical indication.
Our conservative-first philosophy means that arthroscopy is always a last resort, not a first option. When it is indicated, however, it offers significant advantages over traditional open surgery.
Under anaesthesia, we make 2-3 incisions of just 5mm. The arthroscope (camera) and surgical instruments are inserted. We visualise the interior of the joint in high definition on a monitor. Damaged tissue is repaired or removed. The incisions are closed with small sutures.
Most procedures take 30-60 minutes. You can typically go home the same day.
Recovery is significantly faster than with open surgery. Less post-operative pain. Return to sport in 2-9 months depending on the procedure. High success rate when correctly indicated.
Arthroscopy – Minimally Invasive Surgery
Our goal is to avoid surgery whenever possible. We only recommend arthroscopy when conservative treatments (infiltrations, PRP, shockwave therapy, physiotherapy) have failed or when there is a clear surgical indication such as a complete ligament rupture.
Arthroscopy – Gallery
Conditions Treated
Knee: Meniscus tears, ACL reconstruction, removal of loose bodies, chondromalacia patellae. The knee is the most common joint treated arthroscopically.
Shoulder: Rotator cuff repair, subacromial decompression, stabilisation of recurrent dislocations. Arthroscopy avoids the large incisions required by open shoulder surgery.
Conservative alternative: therapeutic infiltration before considering surgery
Advantages of Arthroscopy
- Minimal incisions (5mm)
- Less post-operative pain
- Faster recovery
- Lower risk of infection
- Quicker return to sport
- Nearly invisible scarring
Post-Operative Recovery
We create an individualised rehabilitation plan for every surgical patient. Recovery is enhanced by combining:
- Cryotherapy: Reduces post-operative swelling and pain
- PRP therapy: Accelerates tissue healing
- Structured physiotherapy: Restores strength and mobility
- Gradual return-to-sport protocol
When to Consider Arthroscopy
Surgery should only be considered when:
- Conservative treatment has been tried for an adequate period without success
- There is a mechanical problem (locked knee, unstable joint)
- Imaging confirms a structural problem that cannot heal naturally
- The condition significantly impacts your quality of life or ability to function
Dr. Diedrich's Surgical Experience
Dr. Diedrich is a specialist in orthopaedic and trauma surgery with extensive arthroscopic experience. As a qualified sports physician and active athlete himself, he understands the importance of a precise surgical technique and an effective rehabilitation plan for returning to sport.
Get a second opinion before surgery. Call +34 971 68 43 45 to discuss whether conservative treatment may still be an option. See also our second opinion service.
Clinical references
- AAOS Clinical Practice Guidelines – minimally invasive surgery.
- Cochrane: Arthroscopy – systematic reviews.
- NICE IPG230: Arthroscopic knee surgery.
- AWMF Guideline Register.
See our editorial policy.
Minimally Invasive Knee and Shoulder Arthroscopy
Indications for Arthroscopy
Related Treatments
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Medically reviewed by Dr. med. Heiko Miguel Diedrich —
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose us
Conservative Approach
Avoid surgery when possible
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Advanced spinal decompression technology
Trilingual
Care in Spanish, German and English
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Specialists in orthopedics, traumatology and sports medicine in Palma de Mallorca.
5.0 ★ on Google · 20+ years of experience