Knee Arthroscopy Questions and Answers

Recovery time for a knee arthroscopy procedure will depend on the condition being treated and the patients overall health. For complete recovery from a knee arthroscopy procedure, it may take from six weeks to two months before you can return to any type of physical activity again, unless the procedure was performed to repair damaged tissue, in which case recovery can take longer. However, you should be able to return to a normal routine, including office work, within a few days to a week.

A knee arthroscopy is a surgical method that is used by orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat problems with the knee joint. During a knee arthroscopy, the surgeon inserts a microscopic camera, called an arthroscope, through a tiny incision in the knee. The camera is wirelessly connected to a screen that enables your doctor to view the inside of your knee joint, investigate any problems, and correct those problems using small instruments contained in the arthroscope.

Arthroscopy can diagnose and treat several different conditions affecting the knee joint, including a torn meniscus, torn anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL or PCL), misaligned patella (kneecap), loose pieces of cartilage inside the joint, knee fractures, swollen knee joint lining (synovium), and Baker’s cyst removal.

Since arthroscopy is performed through tiny incisions, as opposed to open surgery, it is not typically considered a major surgery. However, due to the potential for risks and the necessity of postoperative rehabilitation, it is not considered a minor surgery, either! In this way, a knee arthroscopy is difficult to classify as either a major or minor surgery, as it toes the line between both. If you think you could benefit from a knee arthroscopy, but are worried about the recovery time or potential risks, we welcome you to talk with our orthopedic surgeon at Dr. Paul Dicpinigaitis, MD, about any of your concerns or questions you have.

A great benefit of arthroscopic knee surgery is that most patients are able to walk shortly after the operation. While you can likely expect at least six weeks of recovery time before you can use your knee normally again, you should be able to bend and straighten your knee before you leave the clinic after arthroscopic knee surgery. Depending on how well you are able to bear weight on your knee, the surgeon may recommend or provide crutches for you to help you walk and prevent further injury.

If you have any issues with your knee joint, you could benefit from coming to Dr. Paul Dicpinigaitis, MD, for a knee arthroscopy procedure! If this interests you, we welcome you to schedule an appointment through our website or call us during the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Thursday or from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM on Fridays.