Arthroscopy

When do I go home?
Arthroscopy of the knee is normally performed as a ‘day-case’ procedure with patients going home the same day. In some circumstances, however, there may be a short in-patient stay. It is important to have a responsible adult at home for 24 hrs following a general anaesthetic.

Will I require painkillers?
These are provided by the hospital and advice will be offered prior to leaving hospital.

When do I remove my dressings?
The large wool and crepe bandage is usually removed 24-48 hrs following your operation. The small dressings over each wound should be left on for 5 days and then removed providing all leakage has stopped. Re-apply a fresh dry dressing or plaster if there is still any leakage from the wound.

What can I do at home?
People have an arthroscopy for different problems and their recovery may differ. However, the majority of patients recover rapidly from their knee surgery. For the first few days, try to keep the leg elevated when sitting down. Although crutches are sometimes provided for support, weight-bearing should commence immediately for most patients.

When can I take a shower?
You may take a shower or bathe from the day after surgery providing you do not allow your wound to become soaked. Provided the wounds have healed, they can be soaked from day 5.

When can I drive?
Many patients can drive within 2-4 days of surgery, however, you must have regained full use of the leg and be fully weight-bearing to drive.

When can I return to work?
This depends on the recovery from the surgery and the type of work. The majority of office-type workers can return within 2-5 days, whilst heavy manual workers or those patients who need to stand for long periods may need 1-3 weeks off work.

Should I do exercises at home?
Simple exercises will normally be demonstrated by the physiotherapists prior to leaving hospital. Further exercises may be suggested by your surgeon or physiotherapist.
(Related topic > Physiotherapy)

Will I require physiotherapy after leaving hospital?
Not all patients require supervised physiotherapy following simple arthroscopic procedures; however recovery can usually be optimised by such treatment.

What are the possible complications following surgery?
Serious complications are very uncommon following arthroscopy but can occur. These include infection, blood clots (or DVT – deep vein thrombosis), excessive swelling, bleeding and damage to blood vessels or nerves.

Warning signs you should look out for are:

• Fever / Chills above 38ºC (100.4ºF).
• Persistent warmth or redness around the knee.
• Persistent or increased pain.
• Significant swelling, tingling or numbness in your knee/leg which is not relieved by elevating the leg for one hour.
• Increasing pain in your calf muscles.
• Shortness of breath or chest pain.