AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. You may also have less pain and a lower risk of infection. 8 users are following. Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems. You may shower within a few days after the surgery, but your incision sites should remain covered and dry for four to five days after the operation. While a knee arthroscopy is less invasive procedure, you may still develop certain complications after your surgery. I've heard all the problems related to arthroscopy of the knee, but is there anyone that's had a success? Depending on your overall health and knee joint condition, the risks & complications may include: 3. I thought something was very wrong but was told I not only had torn meniscus but none spurs and extreme arthritis. Your last visit with your surgeon will typically be around one year after the surgery. Throughout your knee arthroscopy recovery, physical therapy generally starts at a frequency of three times a week for four to six weeks. While you will have a dressing covering your knee, you should avoid taking a shower for the first few days. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? Complications from knee arthroscopy are rare. Call 617-726-7500 to contact the MGH Sports Medicine Center Not painful but feEl very tight esp when I move my feet up down. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions about how long to keep the bandages covering the surgical sites. (Right) Arthroscopic removal of the damaged meniscal tissue. By Kristen Gasnick, PT, DPT Many people return to full, unrestricted activities after arthroscopy. Your recovery will depend on the type of damage that was present in your knee. Kaiser Permanente. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Arthritis? Patient aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals. Healthcare providers use knee arthroscopy to diagnose and treat a range of knee injuries. If you have access to an exercise bike, adjust the seat height so that the bottom of your foot just touches the pedal and complete a full revolution. Knee arthroscopy may relieve painful symptoms of many problems that damage the cartilage surfaces and other soft tissues surrounding the joint. Looks at the images on the monitor and uses them to diagnose injuries and guide the procedure. and partial medial meniscectomy done. All my info from YouTube and Google. They may suggest some of the exercises shown below. A soft bandage will protect your incisions while they heal. 8 years ago, I had arthroscopic surgery on my left knee for torn meniscus twice in 2000 & 2002 Both times I was back at work after 5 wks with restrictions of course. I thought the knee op would go the same way but i was wrong. Lie or sit with your knees bent to about 10. Before you inquire about the time it takes to recover from knee arthroscopy, you may be asking exactly why you need to undergo this surgical procedure. Hold for 5 seconds. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds. Broken Ankle: What Are the Differences? I was told by my surgeon that it was possible that I might end up with only a very slight improvement, but for you to be in a worse condition must make you feel so frustrated. This damage is distinguished by two factors: its cause (trauma or degeneration), as well as its stability (with or without a mobile meniscal fragment). AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. I wanted to give this background before I get into my issue. For sedentary jobs that involve sitting for most of the day, you may be able to return to work as soon as one to two weeks after the surgery. Your surgeon will inform you when it is safe to bear weight through your leg. It involves the use of a narrow scope, called an arthroscope, and specialized surgical tools to access a joint through tiny "keyhole" incisions. I didnt drive for 6 weeks my knee didnt feel strong enough and i wanted to cover myself because if you have an accident your insurance wouldnt cover you as you have had an operation. Images from the camera appear on a screen in the operating room. They will identify any problems that may interfere with the procedure. You'll likely be able to go home for recovery on the same day of your procedure. Couch surfing with my leg raised and much icing of the knee. Following a meniscectomy, a patient may need to wait up to 4-5 months for a full recovery, and they should be able to stand or walk immediately after the operation. You may have knee arthroscopy at a surgery clinic or in a hospital. Read our, What to Expect After Having a Knee Replaced. Any bend of the knee was very painful. If you really want to take a bath, cover your dressing with a plastic bag first. Cleveland Clinic offers expert diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for bone, joint or connective tissue disorders and rheumatic and immunologic diseases. A torn kneecap is a common outcome of sports-related injuries in athletes. but I have been doing small exercises and borrowed a cane for the first week. While the surgery is less invasive than other surgeries and often involves a quick recovery period, it doesn't always improve knee pain. don't overwork. Start pedaling for 10 minutes a day. No bouncing! If your healthcare provider recommends a PT program after the procedure, follow instructions carefully. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is best to follow your healthcare providers instructions about weaning yourself off of the medication and doing so as early as possible if your pain is well-controlled. For healthy, active individuals, the average recovery time for arthroscopic knee surgery is 6-9 months and 6-8 weeks for wounds to heal. A sterile solution will be used to fill the knee joint and rinse away any cloudy fluid. Knee arthroscopy is generally a safe procedure for the treatment of knee injuries, but there are some risks that you should be aware of. 7 years ago, Your weight-bearing status after surgery will be dictated by what is performed during the surgery. Also contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience increased throbbing or cramping pain, tenderness, warmth, or redness in your calf. The first few days after surgery, you will likely experience some pain and swelling. Always make sure to ask your healthcare provider if it is safe to take over-the-counter pain medications if necessary based on your medical history and the type of procedure performed. The procedure involves making a small incision and inserting a camera called an arthroscope into your knee, which helpsdoctors see what is happening inside of the joint, and once they know the real cause of concern, they can identify the right treatment option. This article will go over what to expect from knee arthroscopy recovery. Nothing else. Thank you. The images appear on a screen in the operating room. Be sure to have someone with you to drive you home and check on you that first evening. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. In general, most people need about six weeks to recover. It is important to use opioids only as directed by your doctor and to stop taking them as your pain begins to improve. Each incision site will be covered with a small bandage after the surgery is completed. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/knee-arthroscopy/), (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/meniscus-tears/). Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Recovery Timeline, What to Expect From Rehab After Having a Knee Replaced. After the initial follow-up visit, your healthcare provider will make regularly scheduled appointments to track your progress during your rehabilitation. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. Your healthcare provider makes a small incision and then inserts a long, thin tool with a camera on the end. He is the founder and main author of brandonorthopedics.com, a website that offers valuable resources, tips, and advice for patients looking to learn more about orthopedic treatments and physiotherapy. I had knee arthroscopy 2 weeks ago today, still on crutches and cant do too many exercises as yet. I've read on this forum about many peoplethat were no offeredphysiotherapy at all - I find that incredible and would suggest before you have the arthroscopy that you ask your surgeon about what aftercare treatment they are going to arrange for you. The swelling can last several months. If you are too mobile, then maybe the irregularity of your gait is hurting your back. I believe that is the key to improvement. These may include blood tests or an electrocardiogram (EKG). I was lucky I didn't have to take any pain medication after surgery but I also look all info doing post op by youtube. It is very rare that your recovery will be the same as that of a friend or family member who also had "arthroscopic surgery". Knee Arthroscopy Meniscus Root Surgery FAQ Ryan W. Hess, MD Care Coordinator Phone: 763-302-2223 Fax: 763-302-2402 Twitter: RyanHessMD Q: WHAT IS ACCOMPLISHED DURING THE PROCEDURE? Healthcare providers use knee arthroscopy to diagnose and treat a range of knee injuries. Make sure to follow the instructions on when to arrive and especially on when to stop eating or drinking prior to your procedure. Discuss with your doctor when you can safely return to work. RICE. If they don't offer it or appear a bit vague about it, then go elsewhere for your operation. This website also contains material copyrighted by third parties. During knee arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your knee joint. Arthroscopic debridement is a minimally invasive surgery that is used to diagnose or treat hand, wrist, hip, elbow foot & ankle and knee joint conditions. and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Instructions. The arthroscope has a camera on the end. I used my own hamstring graft. To say I feel worse is an understatement. If you develop a fever or if the surgical sites become red, hot, or swollen, contact your healthcare provider immediately as these are signs that you may have an infection. Knee arthroscopy: evidence for a targeted approach. The complication, known as algodystrophy or Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), takes a long time to heal and is caused by a wide range of factors. A bucket handle meniscal tear, or tear of the meniscal joint, which can flip over like a bucket handle and block the knee, is a common cause of knee pain. They can happen in contact sports and those that require jumping, such as volleyball. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. While lying down on your back, tighten your buttock muscles. Every patient's recovery from knee arthroscopy is different. Both my husband and I need to have meniscus repair mine has frayed and his is a full thickness tear from a fall at work, he has to go back to work as a plumber so needs to kneel I need a good knee as the other side is replaced. Knee Arthroscopy Recovery Time. Sticking to a PT program can help you get back on your feet after surgery. Since Saturday one of my incisions has been bleeding (still have stitches) has anyone else experienced this? For many individuals, this surgery takes no more than an hour, but the total time depends on the specific procedure. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. Applying ice to your knee can help provide pain relief and decrease swelling and inflammation. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. Notes on Anyone with success with Knee arthroscopy, https://patient.info/forums/discuss/anyone-with-success-with-knee-arthroscopy-400758. Prior to my TKR, the hospital I was having the surgery at recommended a pre-hab PT program to strengthen my leg, which I did, and did the exercises religiously. Advanced: Before starting, add weights to your ankle, starting with 1 pound of weight and building up to a maximum of 5 pounds of weight over 4 weeks. Read our editorial policy. You may be a candidate if you have an unstable wrist, elbow, ankle, hip, or knee joint. Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. A customized PT program can help you gain strength and mobility. Game Time: 6:40 p.m. CT. Television: . Only the torn segment of the knee is removed. Everyone responds to surgery differently. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the bones of the knee joint. Decreased swelling will result in less pain, increased range of motion, and quicker recovery time. Knee arthroscopy is when a small camera is inserted into the knee in order to visualize the structures inside the knee joint and assess any I had loads of exercises to do. He teaches as an Assistant Professor of Orthopedics at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Do not apply ice directly to the skin as it can cause temperature-related damage to the skin and blood vessels. Use icepacks for about half an hour for the first 48 hours after your surgery to alleviate swelling. I would think that you would be better by now. At this point, a positioning device is sometimes placed on the leg to help stabilize the knee while the arthroscopic procedure takes place. is helping with this and the cold weather). As you become stronger, slowly increase the tension on the bike. Good luck and I hope the pain recedes for you. Hope it doesn't go down hill from here though as bandages due off tomorrow. An arthroscope, a small camera, is inserted into the knee joint through one of the incisions. Your doctor and nurses will work to reduce your pain, which can help you recover from surgery faster. Don't try to push yourself too hard because it will only set you back further. The outside of your involved leg should be beside the platform. About OrthoInfoEditorial Board Our ContributorsOur Subspecialty Partners Contact Us, Privacy PolicyTerms & Conditions Linking Policy AAOS Newsroom Find an FAAOS Surgeon. Your knee is the largest joint in your body and one of the most complex. They can also experience a full recovery within a few months. Stand facing a 6-inch-high footstool or platform. Its important to build up the strength of your upper leg muscles as this will relieve the pressure on your knee joint. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek Kristen Gasnick, PT, DPT, is a medical writer and a physical therapist at Holy Name Medical Center in New Jersey. Most patients can get behind the wheel one to three weeks after surgery. Normal knee arthroscopy recovery time is up to six weeks because your knee joint requires that much of time to reproduce joint fluid after surgery. You will be taught exercises to strengthen your knee by a physiotherapist. I personally don't think so. Because the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, your surgeon can use very small incisions, rather than the larger incision needed for open surgery. An MRI scan can be performed to determine if the meniscus can be repaired. However, it may take up to three months to fully recover. Managing pain is an important part of your knee arthroscopy recovery. It is possible to drive again after a knee injury if you can bend enough to get in and out of the car. 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Not painful but feEl very tight esp when i move my feet up down a bandage... I move my feet up down and blood vessels that was present in calf. A hospital to keep the bandages covering the surgical sites tighten your buttock muscles the of... Recovery from knee arthroscopy to diagnose injuries and guide the procedure while a knee arthroscopy recovery physical! Had a success outpatient minimally invasive surgical procedure, follow instructions carefully School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia for! Call 617-726-7500 to contact the MGH Sports Medicine Center not painful but feEl very tight esp when i move feet! Strength and mobility of knee arthroscopy recovery time forum injuries in athletes cartilage that acts as a shock absorber between the bones of incisions... Four to six weeks comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention meniscus but spurs! Day of your upper leg muscles as this will relieve the pressure on your back, tighten buttock...