Knee Arthroscopy in Chillicothe, OH

Knee Arthroscopy Preparation

One of the benefits of knee arthroscopy is that you will most likely be able to go home after the procedure and will not need to stay overnight at the hospital. This means that you will need to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you after your procedure.

Prior to the procedure, Dr. Cohen will provide you with instructions. These instructions may include information on medications that you are taking, when to arrive for your procedure, and when to stop eating and drinking.

Knee arthroscopy requires anesthesia. Dr. Cohen can discuss your anesthesia options with you prior to surgery.

Knee Arthroscopy Procedure Details

Your knee arthroscopy will be performed in an operating room. Once your anesthesia has been administered, your knee will be cleaned and a stabilization device may be placed on your leg. Dr. Cohen will then make a few small incisions in your knee and inject a sterile solution into your knee joint. The solution helps him see clearly inside your knee.

Dr. Cohen will then uses the arthroscope to diagnose your knee problem. The arthroscope projects images of the inside of your knee onto a screen which Dr. Cohen evaluates.

Dr. Cohen then inserts tiny surgical instruments through the small incisions to perform the necessary procedure. The procedure depends on your specific needs and can include cutting or repair work. Once complete, Dr. Cohen closes the incisions and covers your knee with a bandage.

Knee Arthroscopy Complications/Risks

The minimally-invasive nature of knee arthroscopy reduces the chance of complications. However, complications are possible, including the following:

• Infection
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Blood clots

Dr. Cohen will discuss the possible complications with you prior to surgery.

Knee Arthroscopy Recovery

You will most likely be able to go home within a few hours of your knee arthroscopy procedure. Your recovery will depend on several factors, including the following:

• Age
• Health
• Original damage to your knee
• Procedure performed

Dr. Cohen will discuss the recovery process with you. You may be in pain and unable to put weight on your foot and leg for a period of time. You may need physical therapy to help in the recovery process.

Unfortunately, some injuries require a person to change their preferred form of exercise. Dr. Cohen will discuss what activities may or may not be possible after surgery.

What Can I Expect During Recovery from Knee Arthroscopy?

Your recovery details depend on the type of surgery. An ACL repair and kneecap realignment may require crutches for the first week or two, and a knee brace is worn for about six weeks. Someone with a meniscus repair may need crutches for six weeks with minimal weight-bearing on the knee. Other types of knee surgery will likely still require crutches for several days.

Pain medications may be offered to help you control the discomfort in the days following your knee arthroscopy. Make sure to keep your dressings clean and dry and avoid soaking in bodies of water such as a bathtub, pool, lake or hot tub.

Returning to work will depend on your occupation and Dr. Cohen’s recommendations. Someone who drives a delivery truck may need to take additional time off. It’s best to avoid driving manual transmission because of the strength and motion of the knee required to operate the vehicle.

Dr. Cohen will provide detailed instructions while you heal to make sure you achieve optimal mobility.

When Can I Bend My Knee After Arthroscopy?

Your knee will be swollen at first with a limited range of motion, but you’re encouraged to straighten and bend the knee right away if pain allows the movement. Continue bending the knee as much as possible every day and extend it as much as comfort allows without causing you significant pain. Physical therapy will be part of your rehabilitation, which involves knee exercises to strengthen the knee over time. Some patients do not need physical therapy after knee arthroscopy but bending the knee each day will help your body heal.

When Will I Start Physical Therapy After Arthroscopy?

Physical therapy may or may not be required after your knee arthroscopy, but you will likely be evaluated within a week of the procedure. Your assigned exercises may take 30 minutes two to three times a day. Wait to walk and run until you’re advised to start those movements to avoid aggravating your knee. Cease or lessen any activity that causes pain and swelling and remember to use RICE (rest, ice, compression and elevation) if you experience a setback.

Will I Have a Hospital Stay After Knee Arthroscopy?

No, knee arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure. You’ll return home a few hours after your surgery, and someone will need to drive you. The surgery may take 15 to 45 minutes, depending on your injury’s complexity and the required repairs.

Why Should I Choose Dr. Cohen for Knee Arthroscopy?

Dr. Cohen is a leading orthopedic surgeon who uses the latest techniques and technologies to improve your pain, mobility and quality of life. With more than 20 years of experience and over 30,000 procedures performed, Dr. Cohen is at the top of his field. He has mentored more than 100 other surgeons on enhanced surgical techniques. The advanced systems and programs used at Cohen Orthopedic in Columbus offer excellent results in the safest healthcare environment.