How do I prepare for a knee arthroscopy?

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure. Fasting helps reduce the nausea that anesthesia may cause. If your doctor says that it is okay to take certain medication on the day of surgery, take it with just a small sip of water.

How long does it take to recover from an arthroscopy of the knee?

You will probably need about 6 weeks to recover. If your doctor repaired damaged tissue, recovery will take longer. You may have to limit your activity until your knee strength and movement are back to normal. You may also be in a physical rehabilitation (rehab) program.

What do you wear for a knee arthroscopy?

Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes that are easy to put on. If you have crutches at home that you will be using after your surgery, bring them to the hospital with you. Bring all medicines that you are taking to the hospital with you. Do not bring valuables or large amounts of money with you to the hospital.

How painful is a knee arthroscopy?

It has been reported that a significant number of patients have moderate to severe pain 24 hours after ambulatory surgery in general and knee arthroscopy in particular [2, 3], and pain affects the patient's activity level and satisfaction [3].

How long does it take to walk after arthroscopic knee surgery?

The patient is expected to walk with crutches for 4-6 weeks after surgery. Rehabilitation is intended to control pan and swelling, achieve maximum range of motion and full load walking.

Knee arthroscopy - Preparation for surgery

What is the fastest way to recover from arthroscopic knee surgery?

Do you wear a brace after knee arthroscopy?

Do I need a knee brace? Knee braces after simple arthroscopic knee surgery are rarely used. However, if your surgery involves more than just removal of torn cartilage or meniscus - for example, if you have a meniscal repair - your knee may be placed in a brace after surgery.

Can I drive after arthroscopic knee surgery?

Normally, you should refrain from driving for at least 1 week after an arthroscopic knee operation, until the swelling reduces and the knee motion improves, but you should establish with your doctor when it is safe to start driving.

How do you sleep after arthroscopic knee surgery?

Sleep on your back with a pillow between your knees. Avoid crossing your surgical leg across the middle of your body. Sleep on your non-operative side with pillows between your legs. Avoid bending your knees.

What can you not do after arthroscopic knee surgery?

While recovering the first few days after your procedure, you should: Stay off of your feet: Avoid putting weight on your knee for a few days. You may need crutches or a walker to help you get around. Elevate your knee: To reduce swelling and relieve pain, rest with your leg elevated.

What should you not do before knee arthroscopy?

You should take a bath or shower before you arrive for your surgery, but do not apply any lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish. Do not shave the surgical site yourself. If your doctor provided a special soap, use it to thoroughly clean the knee and surrounding area on the morning of the procedure.

Do they take your gown off during surgery?

Once you register for your procedure at the facility, the surgical team will ask you to remove your clothes and put on your hospital gown. You may want to bring a backpack or small bag to store your clothes in.

Can I wear a bra during knee surgery?

A nurse will bring you back to the pre-op area, and ask you to change into a gown. Please leave shorts or underwear on, and for women it is ok to wear a jogging/sports bra. They will put you in a pre op bed, and get some information from you. Men will have their knees shaved mid thigh to mid calf at this time.

When can I shower after knee arthroscopy?

For the first 3 days, keep the dressings clean and dry. After that, you may shower like normal but do not soak the incisions (no bath, pool, lake or ocean) until after your first post-op appointment. You will need to cover the dressing (and brace if you have one) to keep it dry while in the shower.

Can you climb stairs after arthroscopic knee surgery?

Avoid activities that cause pain or swelling to the knee. Examples include climbing stairs or standing or sitting for long periods. Begin other activities as advised by your doctor.

Is arthroscopy painful?

Because arthroscopic procedures are performed using small incisions, arthroscopic surgery can get you back to your favorite activities quickly, with minimal scarring and pain.

What is the best exercise after arthroscopic knee surgery?

What happens during arthroscopic knee surgery?

A narrow tube with a tiny camera on the end will be inserted through one of the cuts. The camera is attached to a video monitor that lets the surgeon see inside the knee. The surgeon may put other small surgery tools inside your knee through the other cuts. The surgeon will then fix or remove the problem in your knee.

How do you shower after knee surgery?

You may go home with a waterproof dressing covering your incision. You can shower with this dressing on if the edges are not peeling back. If you do not have a waterproof dressing and you still have sutures, staples or stitches, you can cover your incision with plastic to keep it dry while taking a shower.

Is it worth having a knee arthroscopy?

The authors reported that fewer than 15 percent of patients who had knee arthroscopy felt long-term improvement in pain or function. As such, they strongly recommend against the procedure for patients with degenerative knee problems.

Can you be awake for knee arthroscopy?

During the procedure

The type of anesthesia used varies by procedure. Local anesthesia. Numbing agents are injected below the skin to block sensation in a limited area, such as your knee. You'll be awake during your arthroscopy, but the most you'll feel is pressure or a sensation of movement within the joint.

How long should I wear compression stockings after knee arthroscopy?

Post-operative limb swelling can be reduced significantly by wearing compression stockings in the early post-operative phase when compared to not wearing stockings. This may improve the rehabilitation process after arthroscopic surgery. The optimal duration of compression therapy seems to be between three and ten days.

How long does it take for arthroscopic incisions to heal?

It can take from around 1 week to several months to recover fully from an arthroscopy. This can depend on a number of factors, such as: what joint was affected – for example, a knee arthroscopy tends to have a longer recovery period than a wrist arthroscopy.

How do I elevate my knee after arthroscopy?

To elevate your knee correctly, be sure to keep your knee and ankle above your heart. The best position is lying down, with pillows lengthwise under your entire leg. Elevate your knee whenever you are not on your feet for the first days after arthroscopy. Ice is a natural anesthetic that helps relieve pain.