Recovery After Knee Arthroscopy

An active lifestyle can lead to knee injuries. A procedure called arthroscopy can help your surgeon treat many of these injuries. By taking an active role in your care, you can help with your treatment and recovery. Read on to learn more.

How Arthroscopy Works

During arthroscopy, your surgeon gently inserts a small tube called an arthroscope into your knee. A camera attached to this tube shows the inside of your knee on a TV screen. This helps your surgeon view problems with the knee. In many cases, repairs to the knee may also be done using the arthroscope. Surgery done through an arthroscope may heal faster and have less scarring than open surgery.

Your Role in Recovery

How quickly you heal after arthroscopy depends in part on your age, the kind of knee injury you have, and how well your knee responds to treatment. It also depends on how well you care for your knee and follow your health care provider's instructions.

Your Goals

Together, you and your health care team will set goals for your recovery. These goals can be tailored to your needs. Short-term goals may include walking without crutches or getting back to work. A long-term goal will likely be to regain full use of your knee.

This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem. © 1990, 1995, 1998, 2000 The StayWell Company, 1100 Grundy Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066-3030. www.krames.com 800-333-3032. All right reserved.