Arthroscopic Surgery for Knee Injuries: What to Expect

Q: Arthroscopic Surgery for Knee Injuries: What to Expect

Hello： The following responses are based solely on your textual description. <br>Without imaging and physical examination background, the accuracy and reliability of my replies are limited. <br>I still recommend that you have a detailed discussion with your attending physician. <

Arthroscopic surgery

Doctor, my knee was injured in a car accident, and I had an MRI done.
The results showed that I have a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL), and a meniscal tear.
The doctor I initially consulted advised me not to take any medication or undergo rehabilitation, just to rest my knee, and to return for a follow-up in three months.
During this time, I received PRP injections, but I didn't feel much improvement.
Now, when I walk a short distance or stand, I still feel discomfort in my knee, which feels tight and stiff.
I am unable to squat, and when I try to do so, it hurts.
Additionally, I experience significant pain with external rotation.
During my follow-up visit, I explained my situation to the doctor, and he suggested arthroscopic surgery to either debride my meniscus or repair it.
1.
Is my condition primarily due to the meniscus or the ligaments?
2.
If I undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair the meniscus, how long will it take to recover to the point where I can walk and resume normal activities?
3.
The doctor mentioned that I would need to use crutches for a while after the surgery.
How long will I need to use them before I can start putting weight on the injured leg and begin walking?
4.
After general anesthesia for the arthroscopic surgery, will a urinary catheter be necessary?

Xiao Hua, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/11/09

Dr. You Dianqi reply Orthopedics

Hello: The following responses are based solely on your textual description.
Without imaging and physical examination background, the accuracy and reliability of my replies are limited.
I still recommend that you have a detailed discussion with your attending physician.
Thank you.
1.
Is this related to the meniscus or the ligaments? => The main area of tightness is more closely related to the meniscus, but if you feel instability when twisting your knee, it may be more related to your ligaments.
2.
If I undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair the meniscus, how long will it take to recover to normal walking and exercise? => The postoperative rehabilitation progress varies among physicians.
If you are certain that your meniscus is being repaired rather than trimmed, there will generally be a period of non-weight bearing (using crutches).
It may take about two to three months to return to normal use.
3.
The doctor said I need to use crutches for a while after surgery.
How long until I can let the injured foot touch the ground and start walking slowly? => If you are having a meniscus repair, it is recommended not to bear weight for one month post-surgery (the injured foot can still touch the ground, but without weight bearing).
After one month, you can try partial weight-bearing exercises, but this may vary based on each physician's postoperative guidelines and individual conditions.
It is advisable to discuss this with your attending physician and follow their recommendations.
4.
After arthroscopic surgery under general anesthesia, is a urinary catheter necessary? => Generally, a spinal anesthesia is sufficient for this type of surgery, and full general anesthesia is rarely required.
The need for a urinary catheter depends on the preoperative communication and discussion between each physician and patient, and it is not always necessary.
Thank you for your inquiries.

Reply Date: 2018/11/09

More Info

Understanding arthroscopic surgery for knee injuries can be a crucial step in your recovery process, especially after experiencing significant trauma such as a car accident. Based on your description, you have sustained injuries to your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and meniscus, which are common knee injuries that can lead to pain, instability, and limited mobility.

1. Impact of Meniscus and Ligament Injuries: The discomfort and instability you are experiencing while walking or standing can be attributed to both the meniscus damage and the ligament tears. The meniscus acts as a cushion and stabilizer in the knee joint, and when it is torn, it can lead to mechanical symptoms like locking or catching, as well as pain during movement. Ligament injuries, particularly to the ACL and MCL, can compromise the stability of the knee, making it difficult to perform activities that require twisting or pivoting, such as squatting or turning.

2. Recovery Timeline after Arthroscopic Surgery: If you undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair the meniscus and possibly the ligaments, the recovery timeline can vary based on the extent of the injuries and the specific procedures performed. Generally, after arthroscopic surgery, patients can expect to begin walking with assistance (using crutches or a walker) within a few days post-surgery. Full weight-bearing may be allowed within a few weeks, depending on your surgeon's recommendations and your pain levels. Typically, it can take anywhere from 4 to 6 months to return to normal activities and sports, but this can vary significantly based on individual healing rates and adherence to rehabilitation protocols.

3. Use of Crutches and Weight Bearing: After surgery, your doctor will likely advise you to use crutches for a period to avoid putting too much weight on the injured leg. The duration for which you will need to use crutches can vary; many patients use them for about 1 to 2 weeks, but this can be longer if there are complications or if your pain persists. Your healthcare provider will guide you on when it is safe to start putting weight on your leg and transitioning to walking without assistance.

4. Anesthesia and Catheter Use: Regarding anesthesia, arthroscopic knee surgery is often performed under general anesthesia, but it can also be done with regional anesthesia (such as a spinal block). If general anesthesia is used, a urinary catheter may be placed during the procedure, but this is typically removed shortly after surgery. Your anesthesiologist will discuss the specifics with you prior to the procedure.

In conclusion, it is essential to follow your surgeon's advice closely and engage in a structured rehabilitation program post-surgery. This will help ensure that you regain strength, stability, and range of motion in your knee. If you have any concerns or if your symptoms persist, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. Remember, recovery is a gradual process, and patience is key to achieving the best possible outcome.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Knee Pain After Arthroscopy: Risks and Recovery

Hello, Dr. Yeh. I had arthroscopy six months ago, during which the doctor repaired my meniscus. He mentioned that my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was slightly injured but did not address it. Now, I experience some pain in the front of my knee when going down stairs, and both ...

Dr. Ye Qingnian reply Orthopedics
Arthroscopy involves minimal incisions and generally does not have a significant impact on the joint. When the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is damaged, rehabilitation is crucial. It is essential to strengthen the thigh muscles during rehabilitation, as strong thigh muscles ca...

Post-Operative Symptoms After Knee Arthroscopy: What to Expect

Hello, doctor. I recently visited a nearby orthopedic clinic due to a car accident. After a thorough examination by the orthopedic surgeon, it was found that my left knee makes an abnormal sound when bent, and I was advised to undergo arthroscopic surgery for a detailed internal ...

Dr. Hong Ximing reply Orthopedics
It is normal to experience swelling and pain after arthroscopic surgery, which may be due to residual synovial swelling within the joint. It is important to allow the joint to rest, engage in light movement, and gradually return to normal activities.

Post-Arthroscopy Knee Pain: Recovery Tips and Timeline

Over a year ago, I underwent arthroscopic surgery on my right knee, but there has been no improvement post-surgery, and I frequently experience pain. The initial reason for the surgery was knee pain, and the doctor mentioned injuries to the cruciate ligament, "synovial damag...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Your question is the same as the previous one, so I will provide further clarification. First, it is essential to confirm the diagnosis and determine which specific structure within the knee joint is affected or has pathology. Additionally, it is important to know what type of su...

Post-Operative Symptoms After Knee Arthroscopy: Causes and Relief Options

Hello, doctor. My mother has been diagnosed with grade 3 to 4 osteoarthritis in her knee. She underwent arthroscopic knee surgery last May, primarily to repair the meniscus and receive PRP injections. Nearly a year post-surgery, she continues to experience recurrent swelling, inf...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
The current treatment trend for osteoarthritis does not recommend arthroscopic surgery. If you search online, you will find this information. For patients with grade three to four osteoarthritis, if conservative treatment is ineffective, they may need to undergo total knee arthro...