Recovery time for knee Arthroscopy varies from individual to individual. Knee arthroscopy surgery is more beneficial than open knee surgery. In knee arthroscopy surgery, doctor will make a very small incision and insert a tiny camera in your skin. That camera is called as arthroscope. With the help of arthroscopic camera, it is easy to visualize the inside of your joint into the screen.
After surgery, you will feel some pain. This is a natural part of the healing process. Your doctor will work to reduce your pain, which can help you recover from surgery faster. Medications are often prescribed for short-term pain relief after surgery. In addition to medicines for pain relief, your doctor may also recommend medication such as aspirin to lessen the risk of blood clots.
Here are some precautions that help you to faster recovery:
- Use walking frames or clutches.
- Keep someone always with you after surgery that helps you in sitting, moving and much more.
- Use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in towel and put in to swollen area
- Take shower by using chair
- Use raised seat for toilet.
- Do exercise recommended by physiotherapist.
According to Dr. Kunal Patel, the recovery time for knee arthroscopy is about 6 weeks. But still never stop doing exercise after 6 weeks. You should exercise your knee regularly for several weeks after surgery. This will restore motion and strengthen the muscles of your leg and knee.
You will leave the hospital with a dressing covering your knee. Keep your incisions clean and dry. Your surgeon will tell you when you can shower or bathe, and when you should change the dressing.
The complication rate after arthroscopic surgery is very low. Still If there is any complications occur, they are usually minor and are treated easily. These complications may be infection, knee stiffness, blood clots or accumulation of blood in the knee.