Knee Arthroscopy
Complete preparation and recovery instructions for minimally invasive knee surgery including meniscus repair, cartilage procedures, and loose body removal.
Is Knee Arthroscopy Right for You?
This May Be Right for You If...
- • You have a meniscus tear, loose body, or cartilage damage
- • Conservative treatments haven't resolved your symptoms
- • You have mechanical symptoms (catching, locking, giving way)
- • MRI or exam confirms a condition that can be addressed arthroscopically
This May Not Be the Best Fit If...
- • You have advanced bone-on-bone arthritis (may need replacement instead)
- • Your symptoms are mild and improving with therapy
- • Pain may be coming from your hip or spine
- • You haven't tried physical therapy yet
Not sure? Call us and we'll help you decide.
What to Expect: Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies by individual. Your surgeon will discuss your specific timeline.
Questions Before Surgery?
It's normal to have questions or feel uncertain before any procedure. Our staff is here to help you understand what to expect and address any concerns.
You can call us anytime during office hours. If you're not sure whether something is normal or a concern, call anyway—we'd rather answer your question than have you worry.
Call Us If You Have Questions About:
- Medications to stop or continue
- What to bring on surgery day
- Arranging help at home
- Any other concerns
Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-12pm
About Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments to diagnose and treat problems inside the knee joint. Small incisions result in less pain, less scarring, and faster recovery.
Common procedures performed arthroscopically include meniscus repair or removal, cartilage treatment, ACL reconstruction, and removal of loose bodies or bone spurs.
Most knee arthroscopy procedures are performed as outpatient surgery, meaning you go home the same day.
Key Recovery Milestones
- Go home: Same day
- Walking with crutches: Day 1
- Dressing removal: 2-3 days
- Physical therapy begins: 1-2 weeks
- Return to desk work: 1-2 weeks
- Driving (automatic): 1-2 weeks
- Return to sports: 4-12 weeks*
*Recovery time varies based on the specific procedure performed.
Pre-Surgery Instructions
1 Week Before Surgery
- Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and other anti-inflammatory medications
- Stop taking blood thinners as directed by your surgeon
- Continue taking prescribed heart and blood pressure medications unless told otherwise
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery
- You will need someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours
The Night Before Surgery
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight
- Shower with antibacterial soap
- Do not shave your knee or leg
- Remove all jewelry and leave valuables at home
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting shorts or pants
- Bring crutches if you have them; otherwise, they will be provided
Post-Surgery Care Instructions
First 48-72 Hours
- Rest and elevate your leg above heart level as much as possible
- Ice your knee for 20 minutes every 2-3 hours while awake
- Keep the dressing clean and dry
- Use crutches as instructed for walking
- Take pain medication as prescribed before pain becomes severe
- Perform ankle pumps frequently to improve circulation
Wound Care
- Leave the dressing in place for 2-3 days unless otherwise instructed
- After removing the dressing, cover incisions with band-aids
- Keep incisions dry until they are fully closed (usually 7-10 days)
- You may shower once incisions are closed; pat dry gently
- Do not soak in a bathtub, pool, or hot tub for 2 weeks
- Steri-strips will fall off on their own in 1-2 weeks
Activity Guidelines
- Use crutches until you can walk without a limp
- Begin physical therapy exercises as instructed
- Gradually increase walking distance as tolerated
- Avoid squatting, kneeling, or deep bending for 2-4 weeks
- Return to driving when off pain medication and can brake safely
- Return to sports only when cleared by your surgeon
Swelling Management
- Swelling is normal and may last several weeks
- Continue icing 3-4 times daily for the first 2 weeks
- Elevate your leg when sitting or lying down
- Wear compression bandage or sleeve as directed
- Walk regularly to promote circulation and reduce swelling
When to Call Your Doctor
Knee arthroscopy is generally a safe procedure, but complications can occur. Contact our office if you experience any of these warning signs.
Warning Signs
- Fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C)
- Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth around incisions
- Drainage or pus from the wound
- Pain that is getting worse instead of better
- Calf pain, swelling, or tenderness
- Numbness or tingling that gets worse
- Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (call 911)
Office: (580) 233-6707
Questions About Your Surgery?
Our team is here to help you prepare for a successful knee arthroscopy.
(580) 233-6707