Postoperative Expectations Following Knee Arthroscopy

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These arthroscopy guidelines are designed to assist patients of Dr. Kellett in preparing for their knee surgery recovery after knee arthroscopy. While they serve as a general guide, please keep in mind that the postoperative care protocol may vary slightly from person to person. If you have any questions about your specific surgical plan, feel free to contact our office!

Dressings: You will have a soft sterile dressing and an ACE bandage over your incisions. Keep them clean and dry as part of the knee surgery recovery process. While a nerve block will not be performed during surgery, local numbing medicine will be injected into the knee at the conclusion of the procedure to help you remain comfortable during the immediate postoperative care period. Follow-up appointment: Make sure you have the date and time for your surgeon visit and physical therapy referral. You should already have a postoperative appointment scheduled with Dr. Kellett—if you do not, please call 609-750-1600. Adhering to these arthroscopy guidelines will aid in your recovery.

To ensure a smooth knee surgery recovery, keep your incisions dry and covered for the first three days as per the arthroscopy guidelines. You will have paper bandaids, known as steri strips, placed over the incisions. After three days, you may remove the outer dressing and shower, but be sure to pat your knee dry without scrubbing. It is important to leave the paper steri strips in place and avoid soaking in baths, pools, or hot tubs until you have been cleared, which is typically four weeks after surgery. Additionally, do not apply creams, ointments, or alcohol to the incisions unless specifically directed. For your postoperative care, remember that dissolving sutures will be used, and these do not need to be removed after surgery.

Follow the arthroscopy guidelines by taking prescribed pain medications as directed. Always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. Acetaminophen and/or NSAIDs should be taken as approved. Additionally, you will receive a prescription for a short course of narcotic medication. For the first two weeks after your knee surgery recovery, it is important to take aspirin to lower your risk of blood clots. To aid in your postoperative care, apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours during the first 48–72 hours to help reduce pain and swelling; remember to place a thin towel between the ice and your skin. Avoid driving while on narcotic pain medications or if you feel unable to operate a vehicle safely. You will be cleared to drive after knee arthroscopy once you are ambulating comfortably, fully weight-bearing, and not taking any narcotic medications.

You may weight bear as tolerated immediately after your knee surgery recovery. Some patients will use a cane or crutches for just a few days post-surgery, but you can stop using assistive devices as soon as you feel steady on your feet. Begin ankle pumps, quad sets, and straight leg raises as soon as you are able to after surgery, following the arthroscopy guidelines. Ankle pumps, in particular, should be started right away to help lower the risk of a blood clot. You are encouraged to start postoperative care with physical therapy within 1-2 weeks of your surgical procedure. It is recommended to engage in at least one month of PT following surgery, with many patients opting to complete two months depending on their personal goals and needs.

Plan on maintaining a steady medication schedule and an ice routine, especially for the first three days after surgery, as outlined in the arthroscopy guidelines. Keep your follow-up and physical therapy (PT) appointments; effective knee surgery recovery relies on completing a thorough course of postoperative care and physical therapy after surgery.