Knee Arthroscopy/Meniscectomy FAQs

Frequently asked questions after surgery:

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.

When can I shower?
You can shower 48 hours after your surgery if there is no drainage from your incisions. Do not scrub directly over your incisions and gently pat the incisions dry after showering.

When can I immerse my knee in water to bathe or swim?
Two weeks after surgery if there is no drainage from your incisions.

How long will I be on pain medications?
You will likely need some form of pain medication for roughly one or two weeks after surgery. Again, there is a high degree of variability, with some using narcotic medication for less than one week, and others for up to four weeks. Most people are able to wean off narcotic medication in less than two weeks and switch to an over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. If you are running low on your pain medication and need a refill, please contact us at least 24 business hours before you expect to run out so that we have ample time to make arrangements for you to receive a refill prescription.

Do I need physical therapy?
Some but not all patients are sent to physical therapy after knee arthroscopy, and this is usually decided at the first post-operative visit. Some patients regain motion very quickly and have minimal swelling, and thus therapy may not be necessary for them. Alternatively, some patients may go to see a physical therapist once or twice to learn a home program. Your surgeon or the physician assistant will decide what is best for you.

What exercises should I do after surgery?
You are encouraged to bend and straighten your knee as much as pain allows immediately after standard knee arthroscopy. Remember, however, that your knee may be swollen and achieving full motion is often difficult for the first few days. You may tighten your quadriceps muscle right after surgery and we encourage straight leg raises if they are not too painful.

You can put as much weight on your leg as is comfortable immediately after surgery. Again, the potential need for crutches or a walker is usually less than two or three days. Riding on an exercise bike, walking on a treadmill or using an elliptical machine, or just plain walking are all good exercises to begin once the knee becomes less painful.

When can I drive?
You can drive as soon as you feel comfortable and safe, but YOU MUST NOT DRIVE IF YOU ARE TAKING NARCOTICS! If you drive a standard transmission vehicle and had surgery on your left knee, you should probably wait about one or two weeks before driving to avoid causing more pain and irritation from operating the clutch. If you need to drive long distances within two weeks after your surgery, you should take frequent breaks to stand up, stretch, and walk to decrease the risk of a blood clot forming in your leg.

Should I use ice or heat?
Ice should be used for the first several days, particularly if you have a lot of swelling or discomfort. Ice is also helpful if you develop swelling after exercising. Once the initial swelling has decreased, you may use either ice and/or heat depending on which helps you the most. Some patients report that using heat prior to activities helps "warm up" the knee.

Routine follow-up and return to work:

Follow-up appointments should be made post-operatively at 7 to 10 days, again at 4 to 6 weeks, and then again at roughly 3 months if you are not improving. The 3 month appointment is often not necessary unless things are not going well.

The timing of returning to work depends on your profession. Typically, if your work is sedentary at a desk, you may be able to return within one week. If your work is very strenuous, you may require six to eight weeks before you return to full duty. Your physician will help you determine an appropriate return-to-work date, and can also provide work-related paperwork as necessary.

Call our office if you have:

• Increasing redness, particularly spreading from the incisions
• Rapidly increasing pain and swelling
• Fevers greater than 101.5◦ F
• Persistent drainage from your wounds
• Calf swelling or pain, particularly if associated with ankle motion