Recovery and rehabilitation advice will vary according to the procedure that has been performed.  Details will be provided by the surgeon and physiotherapist following the surgery.

Usually the knee should be rested for the first few days to allow the wounds to settle.  It is normal for the knee to swell following arthroscopy and elevation helps to reduce this.  Mild pain killers may be needed in the first few days.

The bandage applied after the operation will be removed by your surgeon and may be replaced with a compression 'tubigrip' support bandage.  The plasters and strips covering the wound can be removed 4-7 days following surgery.  The wounds should be kept clean and dry until they have sealed over and, once sealed you may resume showering and bathing.

In the first few days following arthroscopic knee surgery, simple rehabilitation exercises including straight leg raising, hip, knee and ankle range of movement and thigh muscle strengthening and tightening exercises should commence.

Return to activity:

Generally, return to activities takes between two and six weeks.  Recovery, however depends on the extent of damage within the knee and the surgical procedures performed.

Approximate recovery times following simple arthroscopic surgery:

• sedentary (office type) work 2-5 days
• physical work 1-3 weeks
• light training 3 weeks
• return to full impact activities 4-6 weeks
• driving 2-4 days once walking comfortably without crutches

Knee arthroscopy is a commonly performed procedure and is generally safe.  However, in order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications of this procedure.

Side-effects

These are the unwanted, but mostly mild and temporary effects of a successful treatment, for example feeling sick as a result of the general anaesthetic.

After a knee arthroscopy you will have small scars on your knee from the cuts.  The knee is usually sore for a week or so.  The ‘portal sites’ or entry wounds can often be tender and uncomfortable, especially when kneeling, for several months.

Complications

This is when problems occur during or after the operation.  Most people aren't affected.  The possible complications of any operation include an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic, a wound infection, excessive bleeding or developing a blood clot, usually in a vein in the leg (DVT).

Arthroscopy complications can include:

• infection
• loss of sensation in the skin over your knee or around the entry wounds
• bleeding into your joint
• on-going stiffness or pain
• the surgical procedure may not be successful 
• the exact risks are specific to you and differ for every person