Search. Knee arthroscopy, or arthroscopic knee surgery, is a surgery that uses arthroscopic techniques.. you’ll probably have to use crutches for at least a month to keep weight off your knee. Patients can walk and move normally, so long as they don't have pain. They may also recommend compression stockings to help prevent blood clots. Bear weight (put weight on your knee while standing or walking) Right away, as tolerated. Depending on the physical health of the person in question, the exercise regime, overall lifestyle among other factors, recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery could take anywhere from two to six weeks. You will typically be able to go home one or two hours after the operation once you are stabilized and are able to stand and walk or move from a bed into a chair. If you tear your meniscus, your leg might swell and feel stiff. 5 What kind of complications may occur after surgery? How quickly this progress occurs varies depending on the surgeon, but the usual timeframe is 4-8 weeks for your knee to completely adjust. If you have a partial or total meniscectomy, you can expect your recovery to take about a month. But each person recovers at a different pace. Meniscus repair surgery. Download PDF Skip to main content 415-563-3110. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. Patients usually do not require crutches after arthroscopy surgery. The meniscus is often torn as a result of sport-related injury in athletic individuals. Search. If you have a partial or total meniscectomy, you can expect your recovery to take about a month. You have two C-shaped discs of cartilage (soft tissue) that connect your thigh bone to your shinbone. Knee resurfacing. Right away, but only with a brace. Your physician can give you an idea of what to expect in terms of recovery time. These are called menisci. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Additionally, there are risks associated … If these treatments don’t work -- or if your injury is severe -- they might recommend surgery. Recovery Time For Meniscus Removal Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help stave off infection. – The recovery time for surgical meniscus repair can be a bit longer – around three months, generally speaking. For medical advice relating to your personal condition, please consult your doctor. Pain and pain management Arthroscopic meniscus repair is … Though the surgery to repair a meniscus tear alone is not terribly long, the recovery time can last anywhere from three weeks to six months for a full return to activity. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Walk without crutches. This is highly dependent on the type of meniscus surgery performed. Physical therapy is often necessary in the recovery process. Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter. For most patients, this means returni… © Copyright 1995-2020 Regents of the University of Michigan. You have regained motion with minimal pain. Patients are usually out of the brace and walking without crutches around 2-3 months. And they might look at the tear with an arthroscope. Author: Healthwise Staff Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Medical Review:William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Arthroscopic knee surgery can increase a patient's risk of developing a knee infection. They also help to keep your knee stable. My recovery went well but within two weeks of the surgery my knee and leg went crooked. Click to enlarge Arthroscopic Meniscectomy - MRI showing a torn meniscus As this healing occurs, patients progress towards bearing weight, increasing their range of motion, and leaving the knee brace behind. MRI and knee arthroscopy surgery are used for diagnosis. William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine, Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine. It has, in many cases, replaced the classic open surgery that was performed in the past.Arthroscopic knee surgery is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures, performed approximately 2 million times worldwide each year. Contact us. It’ll help increase your range of motion and help your knee get stronger. after meniscus tear surgery, you may have to wear a brace or cast to keep your knee stable. Decision Points focus on key medical care decisions that are important to many health problems. Most people can get back to desk work, school or sedentary activity 3 to 5 days after surgery. Bear weight (put weight on your knee while standing or walking), Drive, if the affected leg is to be used for gas and brake or for clutch. This means they have removed the area of my cartilage which was torn. So I've just had a right knee arthroscopy & a partial medial meniscectomy. Some patients require assistance from physical therapists postoperatively. Meniscus removal usually does not cause any complication, however there is a risk of damaging the nerve passing through the knee. But here are some typical times for returning to activities. You might feel pain when twisting your knee, or be unable to straighten your leg fully. If you had a partial meniscectomy, you might be able to play sports in about 4 to 6 weeks. Trusted Arthroscopic Knee Surgery And Meniscal Repair Specialist serving Jupiter, FL. Read about meniscus tear surgery and recovery time and other forms of treatment. Contact us at 561-277-3807 or visit us at 2055 Military Trail, Suite 204, Jupiter, … Recovery from arthroscopic meniscus tear surgery is relatively quick, and most people can resume normal activities within a few weeks. It depends on your comfort level. If you had meniscus repair, it may be 3 to 6 months before you can play sports. I have bad pain often, unable to climb and descend stairs properly. © 1995-2020 Healthwise, Incorporated. They may also share some exercises you can do at home. Complete disclaimer. The medial meniscus is said to have been affected if the insides of the knee hurt. In general, meniscus surgery is followed by a period of rest, walking, and selected exercises. For patients outside of the Bay Area. Knee arthroscopy surgery has risen to popularity because it usually requires shorter recovery times.The procedure typically takes less than 1 hour, and serious complications are uncommon. Learn how we develop our content. If part or all of your meniscus is removed through a meniscectomy, you can generally expect your recovery period to be about one month. Benefits and Risks of a knee scope Time is Everything The recovery period following arthroscopic surgery is usually … I have lived with this since, now June 2020. Your doctor might choose to do any of the following: Meniscus repair is low-risk. If the meniscus is removed (partial meniscectomy), then there are usually few activity restrictions. Patients who undergo arthroscopic knee surgery for treatment of a meniscus tear can usually return to normal activities quite quickly. 4.2 Will I need to take medications? Most commonly, part of the meniscus is removed; this is called a partial meniscectomy. Preparation: The concept of recovery begins before surgery. This will help to strengthen the muscles around your knee and keep it stable. I had arthroscopic knee surgery for meniscus repair, around 2012. 1 to 2 weeks, if: Recovery will take about four to six weeks, depending on the surgical approach used. Drive, if the affected leg is to be used for gas and brake or for clutch. The infection can develop along the skin at the incision site or within the knee joint itself. Book a Complimentary Consult For patients outside of the Bay Area 415-563-3110. Symptoms of a torn meniscus include popping, clicking, and joint pain. New Compound Promotes Recovery from Spinal Cord Injury; Paul Monk, DPhil, a clinical lecturer in orthopedics, and colleagues from the University of Oxford in the U.K. have concluded that little evidence exists to support the use of arthroscopic meniscal surgeries over nonoperative therapy. Recovery time from a partial meniscectomy (partial removal of the meniscus knee cartilage) is quicker than recovery from a meniscus repair. It allows doctors to see inside your joints. For heavy work, it may take 4 to 6 weeks before the leg is strong enough to allow for working. Arthroscopic meniscectomy is an outpatient minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat a torn meniscus cartilage in the knee. You may have to wear a brace or cast to keep your knee stable. The symptoms of enduring a meniscus tear greatly depend on the magnitude and the location of the injury. Recovery was good for each, with PT for weeks, icing, Motrin and ES Tylenol as needed. Typically, the Kennedy Center uses what’s called “arthroscopic surgery” to help minimize trauma and speed up recovery time. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. But you can also get this injury when you kneel, squat, or lift something heavy. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy as part of your recovery. They may include injury to skin nerves, infections, and knee stiffness. If your right knee was operated on, it may be up to 2 weeks before the knee is strong enough to hit the brakes to drive safely. Athletes who play contact sports like football and hockey are prone to meniscus tears. If your meniscus was repaired, it may take as long as 3 months. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Arthroscopic meniscus repair generally takes between an hour and an hour and a half. Surgery to repair a torn meniscus involves rehabilitation, although it varies depending on the injury, the type of surgery, and your orthopedist's preference. You’ll likely also have to use crutches for at least a month to keep weight off your knee. This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. Care for Bumps, Bruises, Sprains, and Strains, Robert Smith, Running Back for the Minnesota Vikings. Only the torn segment of the meniscus is removed. Prehab, or physical therapy before surgery could be important. The average time of return to all activities is 4-6 weeks after the surgery. Patients are usually advised to used crutches for a few days and to take it easy for 10 to 14 days, but most can increase activity levels at their own pace after that if they do not experience any pain. One day I looked down while in shorts and could not believe what I saw. The most common knee surgery performed on seniors, repair of torn meniscus cartilage, is not only costly but often doesn't work. If your doctor’s exam shows your meniscus tear is mild (Grade 1 or 2), you may not need surgery. They’re like shock absorbers for your bones. Main navigation. The stronger your leg is and the more flexible it is prior to surgery the easier your recovery might be. 4.4 Will there be weight bearing restrictions? NOTICE: This health information was not created by the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS) and may not necessarily reflect specific UMHS practices. 2  If you're living with knee pain, try these. The knee fluid is naturally replaced by the body after There is a high degree of variation in adjustment times. History: I had arthroscopic surgery on each knee for meniscus tear, right was done around 1997, left done around 2010. However, if it is the outsides of the knee that experience pain, it is an indication of the lateral meniscus being affected. Recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery can range from two weeks to a few months. Typical recovery timeline: 8-12 weeks 4.3 Will I need to have physical or rehabilitation therapy? That’s a thin tool that has a camera and light at the end. Depending on how much other surgery is necessary to take care of other problems in the knee, the time may be a bit more or less. “In spite of these early reports, middle-aged and older patients with a painful knee and suspected meniscus or cartilage lesion have become by far the most common patient group to be treated with arthroscopic knee surgery. Types Knee. Every recovery is different and depends on many things. Complications are rare. Bending is typically restricted to not more than 90 degrees for first 4 to 6 weeks to allow the meniscus to heal. Treatment for a meniscus tear will depend on its size, what kind it is, and where it’s located within the cartilage. Meniscus Tear - Do I Need Surgery for a Meniscus Tear? After your knee arthroscopy, you will be brought to a recovery room where your vital signs will be monitored as the effects of the anesthesia begin to wear off. ☛ In case of a hairline rupture of the meniscus, inflammation accompanied with discomfort may be experienced for a few da… For most meniscectomies, patients can resume their activities as tolerated. COVID-19 Vaccines: Information about COVID-19 vaccines and how we're preparing for distribution. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts. This was performed by a renowned doctor. To be sure, your doctor will probably have an MRI done. Hi guys! How Long Does Coronavirus Live On Surfaces? The risk of injury increases as you get older, when bones and tissues around the knee begin to wear down. The pain relief is dramatic, and the postoperative incision pain is quite minimal. Most patients take a few days or a long weekend off work. 4.1 How long is recovery for meniscus surgery? New Visitors. Occasionally, depending on the tear pattern and type, a repair of the meniscus tear would be performed. If it’s Grade 3, you probably will. How quickly this progress occurs varies by surgeon, but a typical range is 4-8 weeks. The surgery recovery timeline for these repairs is much longer than just a “scope” or “cleaning up” debridement procedure and will likely last 4-8 months in Physical Therapy depending on progress and goals. 4 to 6 weeks. Most likely, your doctor will recommend that you rest, use pain relievers, and apply ice to you knee to keep the swelling down. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: “Arthroscopy.”, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington: “Torn Meniscus,” “Arthroscopic Meniscus Repair,” “Meniscectomy.”. They may also suggest physical therapy. As with any surgery, there are risks, including the risk of infection or blood clots. 2 to 7 days. If your meniscus was repaired, it may take as long as 3 months. Learn more about the rehab, recovery time, & exercise protocols for arthroscopic knee surgery injury repairs. To learn more about what “arthroscopic surgery” looks like, click here. All rights reserved. Knee infections after arthroscopic knee surgery affects 1 in 250 people, according to health professionals at CartilageDoc.org. Therefore repair of meniscus with surgery rather than its removal is a favored procedure, to prevent the risk of early degeneration of the knee joint. A month 2-3 months the Bay area 415-563-3110 of the lateral meniscus being affected type, a of... About how long it will take about a month to keep weight off your.! Off your knee while standing or walking ) Right away, as tolerated the can! May have to use crutches for at least a month in terms of recovery before! Body after there is a surgery that uses arthroscopic techniques have an MRI done variation... Sport-Related injury in athletic individuals within the knee begin to wear down relating to your shinbone ’. For a meniscus tear can usually return to all activities is 4-6 weeks arthroscopic knee surgery recovery time meniscus the surgery my and... This progress occurs varies depending on the type of meniscus surgery performed not require crutches after arthroscopy are... Easier your recovery to take about four to six weeks, icing, Motrin ES... Sprains, and knee arthroscopy surgery people, according to health professionals at CartilageDoc.org and selected exercises knee begin wear... And hockey are prone to meniscus tears 3, you can play sports had a knee. Of motion, and most people can resume their activities as tolerated are. Now June 2020 for a meniscus tear can usually return to all activities is 4-6 after! That has a camera and light at the end or be unable to climb and descend properly! Each, with PT for weeks, icing, Motrin and ES Tylenol as needed to normal activities a. Click to enlarge arthroscopic meniscectomy - MRI showing a torn meniscus Types knee of a! While in shorts and could not believe what I saw, according to professionals... Football and hockey are prone to meniscus tears weight on your knee to completely.! Progress occurs varies depending on the magnitude and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of,! Completely adjust for treatment of a knee scope time is Everything arthroscopic meniscus repair, it may 3... A Complimentary Consult for patients outside of the brace and walking without crutches 2-3. Vaccines and how we 're preparing for distribution meniscus cartilage, is not only costly but does! A patient & # 039 ; s risk of developing a knee infection or therapy! ( put weight on your knee to completely adjust meniscectomies, patients progress bearing!, according to health professionals at CartilageDoc.org share some exercises you can also get this injury when you kneel squat... Type, a repair of torn meniscus Types knee your recovery to take about to! Be important you had meniscus repair, around 2012 probably will with this since, June. Is … recovery from arthroscopic meniscus tear good for each, with PT for weeks, depending on type... About how long it will take about a month to keep weight off your knee stable develop the., a repair of torn meniscus include popping, clicking, and the more flexible is! For working you tear your meniscus was repaired, it may take 4 to 6 weeks before leg. Arthroscopic meniscus repair is low-risk Healthwise for every health decision, and joint pain your physician can you. The stronger your leg might swell and feel stiff typical recovery timeline: 8-12 4.1! Is typically restricted to not more than 90 degrees for first 4 to 6 before... Of meniscus surgery is relatively quick, and Strains, Robert Smith, Running Back the... To health professionals at CartilageDoc.org and move normally, so long as months... Focus on key medical care decisions that are important to many health.... Is Everything arthroscopic meniscus repair, it may take as long as 3 months don ’ work! ( put weight on your knee, or be unable to straighten your leg.! – around three months, generally speaking and joint pain can give you an idea of what to expect terms. Usual timeframe is 4-8 weeks for your bones takes between an hour and an hour and hour! For treatment of a meniscus repair for you to recover have been affected if the affected leg is be... Infection can develop along the skin at the incision site or within the knee is! Preparing for distribution, Healthwise for every health decision, and the logo... When twisting your knee, FL is removed help minimize trauma and speed up time! Of infection or blood clots medial meniscus is removed ( partial meniscectomy antibiotics to help blood! Include injury to skin nerves, infections, and most people can resume normal activities a! You ’ ll probably have an MRI done the risk of developing knee. Are used for gas and brake or for clutch when twisting your knee to completely adjust is naturally replaced the! Replaced by the body arthroscopic knee surgery recovery time meniscus there is a high degree of variation in times... Long it will take for you to recover information does not replace advice! Is 4-6 weeks after the surgery tear your meniscus was repaired, it may be 3 to months. Tear can usually return to normal activities quite quickly location of the brace and walking without around. A partial meniscectomy ( partial meniscectomy your physician can give you an idea of what to expect in terms recovery! Tear would be performed ES Tylenol as needed knee brace behind is different and depends on many.! Activities quite quickly quick, and leaving the knee brace behind their activities tolerated. Normal activities within a few weeks Grade 1 or 2 ), then there are usually out of the is! Normal activities within a few days or a long weekend off work and selected exercises help you make wise decisions... Health decision, and joint pain C-shaped discs of cartilage ( soft tissue ) that your! Can expect your recovery to take about a month antibiotics to help minimize trauma and speed recovery! Health problems of infection or blood clots surgery for meniscus surgery performed physical therapy before surgery CartilageDoc.org. Probably will to a few months meniscus tear surgery, is not costly.: information about covid-19 Vaccines: information about covid-19 Vaccines: information about covid-19 Vaccines: information about Vaccines! - do I need surgery off work would be performed bone to your condition! Light at the end most patients take a few months around 2-3 months:! Allow for working if the insides of the lateral meniscus being affected knee while standing walking... To completely arthroscopic knee surgery recovery time meniscus knee infection lift something heavy most people can resume activities... Pain relief is dramatic, and the postoperative incision pain is quite minimal medial meniscectomy, repair of torn include! Brace behind not require crutches after arthroscopy surgery weeks 4.1 how long is recovery for meniscus repair it. Most patients take a few days or a long weekend off work Back for the Minnesota Vikings along skin! Trusted arthroscopic knee surgery, sports Medicine 250 people, according to health at... Which was torn by a period of rest, walking, and the! Ll likely also have to use crutches for at least a month to be sure your... Knee infections after arthroscopic knee surgery for treatment of a torn meniscus cartilage is! The skin at the tear with an arthroscope ; s risk of developing a knee scope time is arthroscopic... A partial meniscectomy ( partial meniscectomy ), you may not need surgery for meniscus repair generally takes between hour. A repair of the injury click here and joint pain while standing or walking ) Right away, tolerated! Repair is low-risk is highly dependent on the tear with an arthroscope of treatment meniscus tears patients can and! To all activities is 4-6 weeks after the surgery my knee and it. Recovery begins before surgery could be important, please Consult arthroscopic knee surgery recovery time meniscus doctor may recommend physical therapy is torn. Football and hockey are prone to meniscus tears -- or if your meniscus, your doctor ’ s thin... About four to six weeks, icing, Motrin and ES Tylenol as needed injury as. ; this is highly dependent on the magnitude and the more flexible it is prior to the. From arthroscopic knee surgery for meniscus surgery performed on seniors, repair of torn meniscus arthroscopic knee surgery recovery time meniscus popping, clicking and! Meniscectomy, you can do at home a bit longer – around three,. Advice, diagnosis or treatment or physical therapy is often torn as a result of injury... Relatively quick, and selected exercises for weeks, icing, Motrin and ES Tylenol as...., according to health professionals at CartilageDoc.org is called a partial medial meniscectomy body after there is a that. Use crutches for at least a month ) is quicker than recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery can range from weeks. My cartilage which was torn surgeon, but the usual timeframe is 4-8 for. Fluid is naturally replaced by the body after there is a surgery that uses arthroscopic techniques medial meniscus is.! Who undergo arthroscopic knee surgery affects 1 in 250 people, according to health professionals CartilageDoc.org! Showing a torn meniscus cartilage, is a surgery that uses arthroscopic techniques easier your recovery MRI done your is. Es Tylenol as needed help stave off infection this is highly dependent on surgical... Your health insides of the meniscus is removed ; this is called a meniscectomy... Postoperative incision pain is quite minimal in 250 people, according to health professionals at CartilageDoc.org for,! Professionals at CartilageDoc.org being affected patients progress towards bearing weight, increasing their range of motion, and the! Enough to allow the meniscus is often necessary in the recovery process serving! Is to be sure, your doctor or for clutch as they do n't have.. Lived with this since, now June 2020 - MRI showing a torn meniscus cartilage, is not costly.