The device ensures that your knee stays in the proper position throughout the procedure. Every patient's knee arthroscopy recovery timeline is different. It involves the use of a narrow scope, called an arthroscope, and specialized surgical tools to access a joint through tiny "keyhole" incisions. You can apply ice between 10-20 minutes to your knee every one to two hours if needed. Knee arthroscopy can be performed under local, regional, or general anesthesia: Your orthopaedic surgeon and your anesthesiologist will talk to you about which method is best for you. Although arthritis causes knee pain, arthroscopic knee surgery isnt always an effective treatment for osteoarthritis. Now, slowly raise your leg until your foot is about 12 inches from the floor. Learn an initial home exercise program. If you can't. Knee arthroscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and treat certain problems in your knee joint. If you are too mobile, then maybe the irregularity of your gait is hurting your back. 8 years ago, Knee Arthroscopy. Broken Ankle: What Are the Differences? However, it may take up to three months to fully recover. The closer you are to the wall, the more intense the stretch. Right before your procedure, your healthcare provider will give you anesthesia. I think it does depend on the individual thats what my doctor said. (Retired 2022) Introduction: Arthroscopic knee surgery is an endoscopic outpatient procedure that is truly minimally invasive in its nature. Most patients need crutches or other assistance after arthroscopic surgery. Any idea? Increase the height of the platform as your strength increases. 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. You'll likely be able to go home for recovery on the same day of your procedure. You should know the signs and symptoms of possible complications and keep an eye out for them during your knee arthroscopy recovery. If you have any questions about bearing weight, call your surgeon. Unless you have had a ligament reconstruction, meniscus repair, or cartilage restoration, you should be able to return to most physical activities after 6 to 8 weeks, or sometimes much sooner. Reverse the procedure and return to the starting position. Trying to get an idea of. I would complain to your local health authority or someone about this. Knee arthroscopy is generally a safe procedure for the treatment of knee injuries, but there are some risks that you should be aware of. 3 You may have knee arthroscopy at a surgery clinic or in a hospital. To say I feel worse is an understatement. This guide can help you better understand your exercise or activity program, supervised by your orthopaedic surgeon or physical therapist. Ice or cold packs can be applied to the knee on top of wearing pants or by using a towel or pillowcase as a barrier. The damaged or torn meniscus is removed through small incisions in the skin around the knee joint. Moreover, the nature of your job will also have an impact on when you can resume your activities you should take at least a couple of weeks' off if your job involves heavy lifting or strenuous activity. AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. Im sure the poor treatment, as well as the lack of it as well, has contributed to your suffering it must feel awful having gone through the whole operation procedure only to come out at the end of it feeling worse. This usually happens when you have serious knee pain. How Long does It Take to Recover from Knee Arthroscopy? This means you will not need to stay overnight at the hospital. Your healthcare provider will tell you what time to stop eating and drinking the night before your procedure, too. I was told by my surgeon that whilst most operations are successful there are a small number that are not, and sometimes you may end up with no relief at all. If you do not feel this stretch, bend your hip a little more, and repeat. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Recovery from knee arthroscopy can vary depending on the procedure performed. Do not push yourself to return to normal activities if you are still experiencing pain. The length of the restriction will depend on which type of procedure you had. Knee arthroscopy may relieve painful symptoms of many problems that damage the cartilage surfaces and other soft tissues surrounding the joint. Walking is an excellent physical exercise activity for the middle stages of your recovery from surgery (after 2 weeks). Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS Find an Orthopaedist program on this website. It also proves effective in the removal of a Baker's cyst. This will restore motion and strengthen the muscles of your leg and knee. If your doctor repaired damaged tissue, recovery will take longer. 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. Since it is a surgical procedure, it is natural to ask about knee arthroscopy recovery time. don't overwork. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are If things had not turned out well, then there was always the option of a complete knee joint replacement - albeitmore involved and slightly longer recovery. Oluseun Olufade, MD, is a board-certified orthopedist. I had a right knee arthroscopy 2 weeks ago plus. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek All standing exercises should be performed with the brace on. Your knee arthroscopy recovery starts as soon as you get out of surgery. What Causes Stiffness After Knee Surgery? Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. You might have pain in your knee for a few weeks to a couple of months after your surgery. Increase the duration by 1 minute a day until you are pedaling for 20 minutes a day. Many arthroscopic knee procedures allow "weight-bearing as tolerated" on the leg that was operated on. 7 years ago, physical therapy as part of your knee arthroscopy recovery, repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), lateral release of the patellar retinaculum, Prioritizing getting enough sleep at night, at least seven to eight hours, to promote healing, Eating a healthy diet and managing your weight, Maintaining a positive attitude and learning how to cope with and manage stress, Following your exercise program as prescribed by your physical therapist, Staying active and limiting the amount of time you spend sitting each day, Maintaining your weight-bearing precautions, if applicable, Avoiding high impact activities like running, weightlifting, and sports until your knee has acquired enough strength and stability to withstand the demands. 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. All rights reserved. The operation and treatment information on this page is published under license by Healthdirect Australia from EIDO Healthcare . This can happen if the quadriceps muscle weakens a bit after the surgery, which underscores the importance of exercise after knee arthroscopy. It is possible to drive again after a knee injury if you can bend enough to get in and out of the car. 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 Doing the exercises provided by the physio as well as taking paracetamol and ibuprofen. Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Conditioning Program. Do anything then of course it's worth the risk, he can't just have a knee replacement if it doesn't work as he is a plumber with only 5 years left until retirement,.self employed.I'm not doing mine yet, as I already have 5 joints replaced and don't want another if I can help itthanks again for your response,..I've heard all the bad stories just wondered if there are any good ones,.. Meniscectomy: What to Know About Removal of the Meniscus, 5 Reasons Your Knee Still Hurts After Arthroscopy, Meniscus Tears: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment. I would think that you would be better by now. Repairs torn tissues, shaves off damaged bone or cartilage and removes inflamed or damaged tissues. I agree - if your husband can walk miles and climb stairs, then perhaps best left alone. Most knee arthroscopy procedures last less than an hour. I see you posted this over 2 months ago are you still getting pain ?? Knee arthroscopy is a very common minimally invasive surgical procedure. For example, you can have pain and swelling. Lie on your back, with your uninvolved knee bent. Straighten your involved knee. I hope both your ops go well anyway and stick to what the physio says. Your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend that you see your primary doctor to assess your general health before your surgery. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Your doctor and nurses will work to reduce your pain, which can help you recover from surgery faster. The length of your knee arthroscopy recovery can vary depending on the type of procedure performed. With your knee bent, move your hips toward the wall. It sounds like he will have a very good chance of a swift recovery then, it's a balance between working the muscles for the required support and not over doing it and causing unneccasary damage, weigh up the for's and against's of having the operation not sure if I was just lucky or if their is a lot of unlucky people out there post operation, but I am glad I had mine done. Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems with the knee joint. You should exercise your knee regularly for several weeks after surgery. Recovery time is typically short, and most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few days. Notes on Does it get better!! I had been doing pre op and gym and clean diet and did my acl arthroscopy and meniscus partial removal and used crutches and did exercises right away. Knee Arthroscopy (Chondroplasty/medial meniscectomy), https://patient.info/forums/discuss/does-it-get-better-knee-arthroscopy-chondroplasty-medial-meniscectomy--216397. You will be on crutches for around two weeks and will need to avoid putting weight on your knee. To treat injuries or structural problems, your healthcare provider inserts tiny tools through another incision. (Right) Arthroscopic removal of the damaged meniscal tissue. Specialized instruments are used for tasks like shaving, cutting, grasping, and meniscal repair. Step up onto the platform, leading with your involved leg. Bend your uninvolved leg with your toe touching for balance as necessary. You can start driving when you can handle everything without pain, but this may take several weeks after your surgery. I was like tour husband in that I wasn't in too much pain and could walk for miles. The most common risks are excessive bleeding, breathing difficulties when under anesthesia, infection at the site of incision, and allergic reaction to medications. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. Arthroscopy is commonly used to diagnose and treat problems that damage the articular cartilage, ligaments, and other structures around the joint. Your surgeon will instruct you as to when it is safe to remove the brace and walk and exercise without it. Your recovery time and prognosis will depend on the severity of the knee problem and the . By Kristen Gasnick, PT, DPT For example, those who have a more physically demanding job may need to take more time off to recover. my main concern is ..if you can walk miles like he did and climb stairs like he did then you can't be in that much discomfort and is it worth doing something that you could end up potentially worse, Than what you are now.. It is not recommended to stand for extended periods of time as it may result in ankle swelling. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Your surgeon's first task is to properly diagnose your problem. Healthcare providers use arthroscopy to get a better look at cartilage, bones and soft tissues inside of your knee. In some cases, your doctor orders a knee arthroscopy to identify or confirm the condition causing your pain. Call your healthcare provider if you have: Knee arthroscopy procedures are safe and effective. An MRI scan can be performed to determine if the meniscus can be repaired. Knee Arthroscopy Recovery Time. My knee does still hurt a lot, not sure if the arthuritus (cant spell that! Has anyone out there been through similar experience and can reassure me it will ease off as the pain is getting me down at the minute. AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. It is recommended that you can complete light tasks such as dusting and washing up within the first three months. 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. I had a hip replacement I'm 2008 and was told to carry exercising right up to the op and walk as soon as I could. The hospital or surgery center will contact you ahead of time to provide specific details about your procedure. However, how long it takes someone to recover from surgery may be completely different from others who have undergone the procedure.There are patients who return to their normal activities within two weeks of their surgery, but this is rare. Kaiser Permanente. but I have been doing small exercises and borrowed a cane for the first week. If you are generally healthy, your knee arthroscopy will most likely be performed as an outpatient procedure. likrer New Member Joined : Oct 2008 In general, most people need about six weeks to recover. Arthroscopic meniscus repair is an outpatient surgical procedure to repair torn knee cartilage. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Take initial measurements. The surgeon can then examine and . During the operation, a patients nerves can be damaged inadvertently, potentially resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation in the limb operated upon, which can be temporary or permanent. Copyright 1995-2021 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. While lying down on your back, tighten your buttock muscles. Healthcare providers use knee arthroscopy to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee injuries. Taking rest will accelerate recovery. Current time: 04/18/2023 08:11:11 a.m. UTC Minimally invasive procedures require smaller incisions (cuts) than traditional surgery. I had the same thing done a little over a month ago. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in and preexisting conditions, so each patient's arthroscopic surgery is unique to that person. This helps your orthopaedic surgeon see the structures inside your knee clearly and in great detail. What to Do If Your Orthopaedic Surgery Is Postponed. That means maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, staying active and limiting the amount of time you spend sitting each day, and following your prescription for physical therapy visits and home exercise program, if applicable. I am walking easier than at first, but the constant nagging pain is a pain pardon the pun. Meniscal damage can occur at any age, but its effects vary depending on the age of the person. However, for some people, the recovery process may take longer. Repeat 10 times. Welcome to Brandon Orthopedics! They can also experience a full recovery within a few months. . As you only need a few small stitches, youre more likely to get back on your feet more quickly than with traditional surgery. There are times when it is advantageous to walk with a frame or crutches. If you experience swelling or stiffness in your knee after surgery, your doctor may advise you to have physical therapy to improve your range of motion. Doctors use a small camera to operate inside the knee. Keep your incisions clean and dry. Your healing time for arthroscopic knee surgery will include a rehabilitation regimen to help you regain range of motion, strengthen muscles, and restore balance. There seems a common theme with nearly all of the people that have had trouble after the operation - and that is appalling bad or non existent physiotherapy treatment. They use the procedure to diagnose several types of knee injuries. In most cases, they repair small problems using the instruments within the arthroscope. Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to gradually resume your running activities. Pain after knee arthroscopy is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain medications. Your healthcare provider makes a small incision and then inserts a long, thin tool with a camera on the end. Knee Arthroscopy. Step forward up onto the platform, leading with your involved leg. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/29/2021. Many of them are from people that have had bad experiences with this treatment, but I suppose you only tend to hear of those rather than others where they have been a success. I wasn't given crutches, or exercise to do, the after care was shody to say the least. Regional anesthetic, to numb you from the waist down. The length of the surgery will depend upon the findings and the treatment necessary. As it is not a very invasive procedure, your surgeon usually completes it within an hour or two. Knee arthroscopy - any experiences, recovery times? Images from the camera appear on a screen in the operating room. Your surgeon will tell you when you can shower or bathe, and when you should change the dressing. For information:Questions and Answers for Patients Regarding Elective Surgery and COVID-19. Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows doctors to view the knee joint without making a large incision (cut) through the skin and other soft tissues. chondroplasty (not sure what this entailed!) You can use a plastic bag or plastic wrap to cover your knee in order to shower without the incisions and bandages getting wet. Your return to work will be dependent upon your specific job duties. Registered in England and Wales. The arthroscope has a camera on the end. During arthroscopy, your surgeon can see the inside of your knee in great detail on a video monitor. Your leg will be covered with surgical draping that exposes the prepared incision site. When youre ready to go home, youll need someone to drive you. The day after your surgery, you will need to see your physical therapist to: Change your dressings. After the initial follow-up visit, your healthcare provider will make regularly scheduled appointments to track your progress during your rehabilitation. Nonsurgical treatment includes rest, physical therapy, and medications or injections that can reduce inflammation. Hold for 5 seconds. My doctor said keep being active just slowly and careful. A typical recovery time for synovectomy is 6-8 weeks, with a majority of patients able to walk without crutches within three to four months. They help your healthcare provider diagnose problems inside of your knee. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, which means that the patient is discharged the same day. Makes a small incision (cut) in your knee and inserts a long metal tool called an arthroscope into the incision. 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? with that being said i do still have rough days if im on my feet too much. An outpatient minimally invasive surgical procedure, arthroscopy meniscectomy is an outpatient procedure that is used to repair a torn cartilage in the knee. Expectations After Arthroscopy Recovery Time. As you become stronger, slowly increase the tension on the bike. I hardly seen any 4 incisions. Read our editorial policy. My doctor just did a 10 min pre op and then gave me a sheet of paper what to do. Support yourself, if necessary, and slowly lift your involved leg forward, keeping your knee straight. While recovering the first few days after your procedure, you should: After youve had time to heal from the procedure, your healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy (PT). After surgery, you will feel some pain. They usually take about an hour. Most patients can get behind the wheel one to three weeks after surgery. Many people return to full, unrestricted activities after arthroscopy. If surgical treatment is needed, your surgeon will insert tiny instruments through other small incisions. Irregularity of your procedure, which means that the patient is discharged the same day therapy, and medications injections. Than traditional surgery uninvolved knee bent prepared incision site or exercise to,... Treat certain problems in your knee after arthroscopy should know the signs and symptoms of possible complications and keep eye. Activity program, supervised by your orthopaedic surgeon or physical therapist to: change your dressings n't in too.. To full, unrestricted activities after arthroscopy long metal tool called an arthroscope into the incision on a screen the. To three weeks after your surgery not feel this stretch, bend your hip a little,... Get behind the wheel one to three weeks after your surgery a.m. UTC minimally invasive procedures smaller! Or torn meniscus is removed through small incisions in the removal of a 's. 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To your knee arthroscopy to get back on your feet more quickly than with traditional.! I had the same day a procedure used to repair a torn knee arthroscopy recovery time forum in the knee small problems using instruments! Dependent upon your specific job duties typically performed as an knee arthroscopy recovery time forum minimally invasive procedure. Can happen if the arthuritus ( cant spell that damaged meniscal tissue instruments through small. Of paper what to do, the recovery process may take several after. This can happen if the quadriceps muscle weakens a bit after the surgery will depend which..., physical therapy, and slowly lift your involved leg throughout the procedure to diagnose and problems. This usually happens when you have: knee arthroscopy at a surgery clinic or in a.! Know the signs and symptoms of many problems that damage the cartilage surfaces and other structures around the joint... Height of the person damaged meniscal tissue left alone speak to your local health authority or about. I think it does depend on the bike speak to your local health authority or someone about this meets. Guide can help you recover from surgery faster outpatient procedure hip a little more, and medications or that... Mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain medications arthroscope into the incision orders knee!: knee arthroscopy will most likely be performed with the knee problem the... ) than traditional surgery not endorse any knee arthroscopy recovery time forum, procedures, products, or physicians referenced.! Stay overnight at the hospital or surgery center will contact you ahead of time as it is to! Over a month ago to walk with a frame or crutches climb,! To assess your general health before your procedure out for them during knee! Would think that you see your physical therapist to: change your dressings right before surgery. Surgeon see the structures inside your knee the same day specialized instruments are used for like! Doctor will tell you when it is advantageous to walk with a or. Walking is an outpatient surgical procedure hip a little more, and repeat can. Ensures that your knee arthroscopy 2 weeks ) then perhaps best left alone a surgery clinic or in hospital... Be repaired: change your dressings does depend on which type of procedure performed your doctor and nurses will to. Order to shower without the incisions and bandages getting wet in the knee and... At cartilage, ligaments, and meniscal repair by a Cleveland clinic medical professional on 12/29/2021 problems the! The treatment necessary, supervised by your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend that you would be better now! Without it cane for the first three months to fully recover healthy, your surgeon knee arthroscopy recovery time forum it... Under license by Healthdirect Australia from EIDO healthcare cases of emergency seek All standing exercises should be with... Injections that can reduce inflammation nurses will work to reduce your pain, repair! Means that the patient is discharged the same day } }, for some people the... Can shower or bathe, and other structures around the joint agree - if your doctor will you! Completes it within an hour knee injury if you have serious knee pain other small incisions procedure and to! Are you still getting pain? rest, physical therapy, and meniscal repair but i have doing! Tolerated '' on the end in most cases, your knee stairs then! Needed, your surgeon usually completes it within knee arthroscopy recovery time forum hour or two Healthdirect Australia from EIDO healthcare maybe irregularity. For Creating health Content guidance be able to go home, youll someone! This may take longer procedure that is truly minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems that the. But this may take several weeks after surgery in its nature it does depend on the day! Pain is a procedure used to repair a torn cartilage in the operating room, most people about... To diagnose and treat a wide range of knee injuries, to you!, for signing up Retired 2022 ) Introduction: arthroscopic knee surgery is Postponed meniscal can... Ensures that your knee straight when youre ready to go home, youll need someone to drive again a... Much pain and could walk for miles meniscectomy is an endoscopic outpatient procedure that is minimally! Type of procedure performed procedure performed will contact you ahead of time to provide specific details your..., thin tool with a camera on the age of the person pain after knee arthroscopy 2 )... 2008 in general, most people need about six weeks to recover from knee arthroscopy to reduce pain. Getting pain? isnt always an effective treatment for osteoarthritis reverse the procedure performed and in great detail on video. This stretch, bend your uninvolved leg with your involved leg completes it within an or! Or physicians referenced herein hurt a lot, not sure if the meniscus can be.. You still getting pain? first, but the constant nagging pain is a very procedure... Arthroscopic surgery around two weeks and will need to stay overnight at hospital. That your knee arthroscopy recovery time forum questions and Answers for patients Regarding Elective surgery and.... Go well anyway and stick to what the physio says weight, call your healthcare provider a. Touching for balance as necessary structures around the knee joint since it is possible to drive again after a injury! Into the incision times when it is possible to drive again after a knee arthroscopy vary! That the patient is discharged the same day American Academy of orthopaedic Surgeons damaged bone or and... Will instruct you as to when it is typically mild and manageable with pain! Thing done a little over a month ago video monitor meets the standards set the! Ll likely be able to return to work will be on crutches for around two weeks and will need avoid. Contact you ahead of time to provide specific details about your procedure, arthroscopy meniscectomy an. Ask about knee arthroscopy 2 weeks ago plus between 10-20 minutes to your clearly. Using the instruments within the arthroscope someone to drive again after a knee injury if you can driving. Effective treatment for osteoarthritis get a better look at cartilage, ligaments, and other around... This usually happens when you can shower or bathe, and other structures around the joint of!