Body > Common Knee Surgeries > Knee Arthroscopy

Knee Arthroscopy

*Knee Arthroscopies can involve many different surgical procedures. This information should be used as a guide only and you should follow the advice given to you directly by your Surgeon or Physiotherapist. 

A knee arthroscopy is performed to remove or smooth-off cartilage (often meniscus) or bone that has become rough, torn or overgrown, often due to Osteoarthritis. This surgery is also performed on people after a knee injury to clean out any damaged tissue. 

Several small cuts or ‘key holes’ are made, usually at the front and sides of your knee, a telescope is passed through one incision, and then used to examine the knee joint. Surgical tools are then passed through the other incisions and are used to suck out any loose pieces of bone, cartilage or scar tissue and wash clean fluid through the knee. If required a shaving or burring tool is then used to trim away or remove any overgrown bone or torn cartilage, and smooth-off the joint surfaces before the incisions are then stitched up.

A knee arthroscopy, when performed without any other surgical procedure does not involve the repair of any tissue, so there are no strict restrictions on what you can do with your knee after surgery, within the limits of pain. You are likely to have some discomfort in your knee for 4-12 weeks after surgery, and over this time it is important not to aggravate your knee with too much physical activity. The goal is to regain good movement and strength and then gradually return to your normal walking pattern and light physical activity or exercise.

Your Physiotherapist can help you with exercises and advise to help you get back to your specific sport or activity.

Exercises

• After your knee operation it is very important to perform exercises to regain your mobility, and later strength.
• Only perform exercises taught to you by your physiotherapist or surgeon.
• Exercises should be performed 3-5 times a day.  It may be helpful to take pain medication 30-40 minutes prior to exercise (as prescribed by your doctor).
• Schedule an appointment to see your physiotherapist 2 weeks after your operation.
• Ensure your exercises are not too painful or cause more swelling. If there are problems contact your physiotherapist.

Swelling

• You may have considerable swelling around your knee after surgery.
• If this swelling persists it may impede healing and knee movement.
• This can be treated by elevation, and by applying ice for 20 minutes following exercises.
• Ice (crushed, cubes, frozen peas, gel pack etc.) should be wrapped in a towel and placed directly on the knee.
• If required your physiotherapist can fit a compression stocking to your knee.

Crutches

• You will be asked to bring your own crutches prior to admission by your surgeon.
• You are immediately allowed to place weight on the leg after your surgery – unless indicated otherwise by your surgeon or physiotherapist.
• Make sure you stay active, attempting to walk on the leg as much as tolerated after the operation, ensuring the knee does not swell afterwards.