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Recovery From Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Arthroscopic knee surgery is a procedure that allows the orthopaedic surgeon to view the knee joint through the use of a tiny camera. Being able to see the condition of the knee joint from this perspective helps the surgeon to more accurately diagnose and treat the knee. Because arthroscopy does not require the same amount of invasion of the tissue, recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery is typically much more rapid that open knee surgery.

  1. The Procedure

    • For most healthy patients, arthroscopic knee surgery is an outpatient procedure that can be done under a local, regional or general anesthetic. Some small incisions will be made by the orthopaedic surgeon, and a sterile fluid will be pumped into the joint to clear away any obstructions to the camera. The arthroscope will be inserted, the problem diagnosed and treated and the incision closed up typically within a period of 1 1/2 hours.

    Initial Recovery

    • Recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery typically involves 1 to 2 hours in the recovery room with the remainder of the recovery process taking place in the home. While recovery from arthroscopic surgery is normally much faster than open knee surgery, patients should not expect to be up and around immediately. It is important to follow the recovery instructions provided by the orthopaedic surgeon that performed the procedure. The most common after-effect of arthroscopic knee surgery is swelling around the incision area. It is best to keep the affected leg elevated as much as possible for the first few days following surgery. Your attending physician may also recommend ice packs as a means of reducing swelling and relieving pain.

    Wound Care

    • Every arthroscopic knee surgery is unique to the patient, so while there are some generalities regarding recovery, specific instructions given by the orthopedic surgeon always take precedence. Dressings over the incision should be kept clean and dry, and they can typically be removed after the first day. Patients may shower but should avoid applying the water stream directly on the incision. Soaking baths should be avoided until the incision is completely healed. A post-op visit to the orthopedic surgeon will typically be scheduled for a few days after the surgery to review the progress of the procedure and to begin physical therapy.

    Physical Therapy

    • Patients are usually given a regime of exercises to do after arthroscopic knee surgery to speed recovery. Most of the time these exercises can be done alone at home, but sometimes a physical therapist may be required. The body may be able to bear the weight of walking unaided almost immediately, but the surgeon may still recommend the use of crutches or a walker for a few days to help alleviate pain and discomfort. The surgeon may also prescribe antibiotics or pain medication. These should be taken as prescribed. Fever, chills, excess and prolonged swelling and persistent pain are complications that your physician should know about as soon as possilbe.

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