How long is recovery from arthroscopic surgery?
You will probably need about 6 weeks to recover. If your doctor repaired damaged tissue, recovery will take longer. You may have to limit your activity until your knee strength and movement are back to normal. You may also be in a physical rehabilitation (rehab) program.
What is the average recovery time for arthroscopic knee surgery?
Surgical healing takes 6-8 weeks. A rehabilitation program to restore range of motion, strengthen muscles and regain balance will be part of your recovery. Patents can expect swelling and stiffness. Patients go home immediately after surgery with crutches and a brace, plus a prescription for pain medication.
Is arthroscopy major surgery?
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure doctors use to look at, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. It’s a minor surgery and is done on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day.
What are the complications of arthroscopy?
The possible complications following a knee arthroscopy include:
- Infection.
- Thrombophlebitis (clots in a vein)
- Artery damage.
- Excessive bleeding (haemorrhage)
- Allergic reaction to the anaesthesia.
- Nerve damage.
- Numbness at the incision sites.
- Ongoing pain in the calf and foot.
How long will my knee hurt after arthroscopic surgery?
The pain settles usually within two to three weeks, but may take upwards of six weeks. Swelling in the whole knee up to six weeks. Tenderness around the wound sites up to four weeks. Muscle wasting in the thigh, improves as swelling and pain decrease.
Does an arthroscopy hurt?
Pain is quite common, most often in the area where you had pain before surgery, in the soft tissues below the knee cap, over the athroscopy wounds and occasionally the whole knee. The pain settles usually within two to three weeks, but may take upwards of six weeks. Swelling in the whole knee up to six weeks.
How long after arthroscopy can I drive?
Normally, you should refrain from driving for at least 1 week after an arthroscopic knee operation, until the swelling reduces and the knee motion improves, but you should establish with your doctor when it is safe to start driving.