Post-Operative Symptoms After Knee Arthroscopy: What to Expect - Orthopedics

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Post-operative symptoms after knee arthroscopy can vary widely among patients, and it is not uncommon to experience discomfort, swelling, and unusual sensations in the knee following surgery. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that are typical in the recovery phase after knee arthroscopy, especially following procedures involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus.


Common Post-Operative Symptoms
1. Pain and Discomfort: It is normal to experience pain after knee surgery, especially in the first few weeks. This pain can be sharp or dull and may be exacerbated by certain movements, such as bending or squatting. The pain you describe as a "stabbing" sensation could be due to inflammation or irritation of the tissues surrounding the knee joint.

2. Swelling: Swelling is a common response to surgery and can persist for several weeks. The accumulation of fluid in the joint (often referred to as "effusion") can create a feeling of fullness or pressure in the knee. This is often accompanied by a sensation of tightness, especially when attempting to bend the knee.

3. Stiffness and Limited Range of Motion: After surgery, it is common to experience stiffness in the knee, which can limit your ability to bend or straighten the leg fully. This stiffness may be more pronounced in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

4. Unusual Sensations: The feeling of pressure or a "full" sensation in the knee can be attributed to swelling or the presence of scar tissue. Additionally, some patients report a sensation of "cracking" or "popping" when moving the knee, which can be due to the movement of tendons or ligaments over bony structures.


When to Seek Medical Attention
While some discomfort and swelling are expected, certain symptoms may warrant further evaluation:
- Increased Pain: If your pain significantly worsens or becomes unmanageable despite taking prescribed pain medications, it may indicate complications such as infection or a problem with the surgical repair.

- Persistent Swelling: If the swelling does not improve over time or continues to increase, it could suggest fluid accumulation that may require drainage or further investigation.

- Fever or Redness: The presence of fever, redness, or warmth around the surgical site could indicate an infection, which requires immediate medical attention.

- Inability to Bear Weight: If you find it increasingly difficult to bear weight on the affected leg or if you experience instability in the knee, this could suggest a problem with the surgical repair.


Recovery Expectations
The recovery timeline can vary significantly based on the extent of the surgery and individual healing rates. Generally, patients can expect:
- Initial Recovery (0-2 weeks): Focus on managing pain and swelling, with gentle range-of-motion exercises as tolerated.

- Intermediate Recovery (2-6 weeks): Gradual increase in activity levels, including physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve range of motion.

- Long-Term Recovery (6 weeks and beyond): Most patients can return to normal activities, including sports, within 3-6 months, depending on the nature of the injury and the surgical intervention.


Conclusion
In summary, the symptoms you are experiencing—pain, swelling, and unusual sensations—are common after knee arthroscopy, particularly following ACL and meniscus surgery. It is crucial to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions, engage in physical therapy, and monitor your symptoms closely. If you have any concerns about your recovery or if your symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. Your recovery is a process, and with proper care and rehabilitation, you can expect to regain function and return to your normal activities.