Understand your diagnosis and all treatment options.
Review the benefits, risks, and alternatives with your provider.
Follow all preoperative instructions regarding medications, diet, and fluid intake.
Be aware of what happens during the procedure and the safety checks involved.
Arrange for a ride home and prepare your space for a comfortable recovery.
Begin gentle movement and prescribed exercises on schedule.
Call your provider immediately if you experience any warning signs.
Understanding Your Knee Pain
Your knees support you through every step, bend, and climb. Over time, injuries or the natural wear of daily life can lead to pain, swelling, or a feeling of instability. If these symptoms begin to limit the activities you love, your orthopaedic surgeon may suggest knee arthroscopy—a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions to look inside the joint and treat the problem.
How the Knee Joint Works
The knee is a complex hinge joint where your thigh bone (femur) and shin bone (tibia) meet. A C-shaped cushion of cartilage called the meniscus sits between these bones to absorb shock. The ends of the bones, along with the back of the kneecap (patella), are coated with a smooth, slick surface called articular cartilage, which allows the joint to glide comfortably. A network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounds the joint to provide strength and stability.
Is Knee Arthroscopy Right for You?
To get an accurate diagnosis, your care team may order imaging tests like an X-ray or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). These tests can reveal issues in the soft tissues like ligaments and cartilage, as well as in the bones themselves. Arthroscopy can then be used to confirm what the images suggest and often allows your surgeon to treat the issue during the same procedure.
You and your provider will review the expected benefits and possible risks of arthroscopy. You will also discuss alternatives, which may include medications, physical therapy, activity changes, or wearing a brace. Be sure to ask every question on your mind so you feel informed and confident in your decision.
Your Knee Arthroscopy Procedure
What to Expect on Surgery Day
The Procedure: Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to see inside your knee using a thin, lighted camera called an arthroscope. The camera sends live images to a monitor, which guides the precise surgical tools inserted through separate small incisions. This approach allows the surgeon to diagnose and treat many knee problems through incisions that are typically less than an inch long.
Preparing: Before the procedure, inform your surgeon about all the medications and supplements you are taking. You may need to stop some of them ahead of time. You will also be instructed to stop eating and drinking for a set period to ensure your stomach is empty for anesthesia.
The Day of Surgery: On the day of surgery, your team will perform several routine safety checks, including marking the correct knee and confirming your identity and the planned procedure. Anesthesia will keep you comfortable and free from pain. The surgeon then makes two or three small incisions (called portals), places the scope through one, and inserts instruments through the others. Sterile fluid is used to gently expand the joint, improving visibility and helping the surgeon work accurately.
Risks and Possible Complications
Knee arthroscopy is a widely used and very safe procedure. However, like any surgery, it carries some risks. These may include:
Bleeding, infection, or blood clots
Stiffness or ongoing knee pain
Injury to blood vessels, nerves, or skin around the knee
Damage to cartilage, the meniscus, or ligaments
The need for additional surgery
Other specific risks as discussed by your surgeon
Common Conditions Treated with Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy can address a variety of common knee problems:
A Healthy Knee
The Problem: Repeated squatting or a sudden twist can tear the meniscus. This may cause pain or swelling, and your knee may catch or lock when you move.
The Solution: Torn tissue on the inner portion of the meniscus is often trimmed away (a meniscectomy). Tears near the outer edge, which has a better blood supply, may be repaired with sutures.
Meniscus Tears
The Problem: Repeated squatting or a sudden twist can tear the meniscus. This may cause pain or swelling, and your knee may catch or lock when you move.
The Solution: Torn tissue on the inner portion of the meniscus is often trimmed away (a meniscectomy). Tears near the outer edge, which has a better blood supply, may be repaired with sutures.
ACL Tear
The Problem: A sudden pivot, cut, or awkward landing can tear the ACL. Patients often report a “pop,” rapid swelling within hours, and instability with pivoting or cutting.
The Solution: Low-demand or partial tears may be managed with structured rehab and bracing. Symptomatic complete tears, especially in patients returning to sports, are typically treated with arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using a tendon graft; primary ACL repair is reserved for select tears.
Cartilage Wear
The Problem: Articular cartilage can wear down, and loose pieces can float inside the joint. You may notice pain, stiffness, or a grinding sensation.
The Solution: The surgeon can remove loose fragments that irritate the joint to reduce catching and pain, and smooth down damaged cartilage surfaces.
Patella (Kneecap) Issues
The Problem: Articular cartilage can wear down, and loose pieces can float inside the joint. You may notice pain, stiffness, or a grinding sensation.
The Solution: The surgeon can remove loose fragments that irritate the joint to reduce catching and pain, and smooth down damaged cartilage surfaces.
Your Recovery at Home
Immediately After Surgery
When the procedure is finished, your small incisions will be closed and covered. In the recovery room, your knee will be bandaged, iced, and elevated to limit swelling. You will receive pain medication and be monitored by a nurse until it is safe to go home. Anesthesia and pain medicine can make you drowsy, so you must arrange for an adult to drive you home.
Caring for Your Knee
Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery. Key steps include:
Elevate your leg above the level of your heart as much as possible to reduce pain and swelling.
Ice your knee for 20-30 minutes several times a day for the first few days. Wrap the ice pack in a thin towel to protect your skin.
Keep incisions dry. Shower only when your provider says it is safe, and cover your leg with plastic to keep the bandages dry.
Manage weight-bearing. You may go home with crutches. Follow your weight-bearing directions carefully so your knee can heal properly.
Exercises for a Strong Recovery
Oftentimes, physical therapy is prescribed. But at home, you can work on many of the following.
Gentle movement is critical for healing. Your provider or physical therapist will guide you through a plan to restore motion and strength. Start these simple motions as soon as you are told it is safe to improve blood flow and help prevent blood clots.
Ankle Pumps: Point your foot down, then flex it up. Move your foot in circles several times throughout the day.
Quadriceps Sets: While lying down, tighten the muscles on the front of your thigh and press the back of your knee toward the surface. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then relax. Repeat as directed.
Straight Leg Raises: Lying down, keep your knee straight and lift your leg 8 to 12 inches off the surface. Hold for 5 seconds, then lower slowly. Repeat as directed.
When to Call Your Provider
Contact your provider’s office right away if you notice any of the following:
Fever of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher
Pain that does not improve with medication and rest
Swelling that does not improve with elevation and icing
Increased redness, warmth, or drainage from the incision sites
Bleeding that soaks through your bandages
New or worsening numbness in your leg or foot
Severe nausea or vomiting
Returning to Your Activities
Recovery time varies based on your specific procedure, the condition of your knee, and your overall health. Many people with desk jobs can return to work in about one week. Jobs that require prolonged standing or heavy activity may require more time off. With consistent effort in your rehabilitation, most people can return to their normal active lifestyle within one to two months.
Knee arthroscopy is a powerful tool for diagnosing and treating the cause of your knee pain. By preparing as instructed and following your post-operative plan closely, you give yourself the best chance of returning to your activities with less pain and improved function.
This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.
