how long does it take to recover after an arthroscopic knee surgery

Recovery fro simple knee arthroscopy (meniscal debridement, loose body removal, plica excision) takes ~6 wks; if you rehab diligently you can get back faster (sports in 3-4 weeks). Arthroscopic ligament reconstruction (e.g. ACL), meniscus repairs, or articular cartilage procedures (microfracture, ACI, etc) require longer rehabilitation, often 6-12 months. Talk to your surgeon about your case.

Although calf pain can occur after knee arthroscopy, the concern is the potential for a deep venous thrombosis otherwise known as a blood clot. You need to contact your surgeon and have him evaluated for the potential of a blood clot. It is not necessarily a clot however you should check this. This is done with an ultrasound.

For meniscus surgeries in an otherwise healthy patient in excellent condition, the arthroscopy does not need too much time to recover from. I have had patients walk out from surgery and never turn back. However, patients are often deconditioned because of the injury. This causes muscle (especially quads) weakness and inhibition that takes longer to recover from.

After your sutures are removed in a week or so postoperatively you can travel. Take an aspirin a day and take frequent breaks to walk around to prevent deep vein thrombosis or a blood clot in your legs.

Hematomas after surgery need to be addressed with the ortho who did the procedure. I am sure your ortho wants to you to see him 1-2 weeks after the operation. You are having a problem, so go see him.

There are two basic types of cartilage in your knee--the meniscus (Between the bones) and the articular (covering the bones). "Torn cartilage" usually refers to a torn meniscus. Arthroscopic surgery is very reliable for resolving symptoms like catching, locking and giving way. Recovery is typically short with no long term restrictions. Complications are infrequent.

After surgery, you are not moving fully. The location or extent of numbness, along with a strength examination by your surgeon or therapist will guide further testing and treatment. When sitting more than one hour, some sciatica can occur, with numbness Keep moving and doing the Therapy exercises. Notify your Surgeon immediately for swelling or warmth in the leg below the knee.

Depends some: did the numbness begin 4 days after? Or has it been present since the surgery itself? Did you have any form of nerve block before the procedure? There is risk with the traction used in this type of surgery to put pressure on the nerve in the groin area, but this typically cause numbness in the genital region more so than distal to the knee.

Ok, it took me a while here is a list of the actual procedures. Arthroscopic Knee Procedures: treatment of intercondylar spine(s) and/or tuberosity fracture(s) of the knee, treatment of tibial fracture Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; osteochondral autograft(s) Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; osteochondral allograft (e.g., mosaicplasty) Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; meniscal transplantation Arthroscopy, knee, diagnostic, with or without synovial biopsy Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with lateral release Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; for removal of loose body or foreign body Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; synovectomy, limited Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; debridement/shaving of articular cartilage Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; abrasion arthroplasty (includes chondroplasty where necessary) or multiple drilling or microfracture Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscus repair Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with lysis of adhesions, with or without manipulation Arthroscopically aided anterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation or reconstruction Arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation or reconstruction An Arthroscopically aided ACL repair/reconstruction includes the following: insertion of synthetic bone substitute bone matrix/methylmethacrylate, Internal fixation of graft, Notchplasty, Insertion or placement of surgical drain, Closure of wound and repair of tissues for initial surgical exposure. Harvesting of the graft (fascia, tendon or bone) even if performed through a separate incision Meniscus Trephination: Drilling multiple holes in the torn part of the meniscus and/or joint capsule to promote healing. Anterior cruciate ligament debridement: Debridement of fraying or tears of the ligament Notchplasty: Used to widen the anterior portion and recess of the roof of intercondylar notch typically involving removal of 3-5 mm of bone from the lateral femoral condyle. Bursectomy: Removal of the bursa for pathology not associated with another procedure.

You may have a new tear in the meniscus (cartilage); or possibly a loose body. Sometimes this can flip between the femur and tibia and cause locking. You should see your orthopedist for proper evaluation and diagnosis.