Knee Arthroscopy

Alternate Names : Diagnostic Knee Arthroscopy, Arthroscopic Knee Exploration

What happens later at home?

Recovery time depends on what is found during the procedure and what was done. Most people go home the same day as their surgery. Crutches may be needed for a while to take weight and pressure off the knee joint. The leg should be kept elevated and ice applied for 10 to 15 minutes at a time for the first 24 to 48 hours. Activity can increase over time depending on the amount of pain and swelling present in the knee. Pain can be managed with pain medicine. If extensive repair of the knee was done, physical therapy may be needed.

What are the potential complications after the procedure?

There are potential problems with any surgery or anesthesia. This includes infection, bleeding, and reaction to the medicine used. Nerve injury, causing numbness around the small incisions, may also occur.