Day of knee arthroscopy

Overview

Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure where a surgeon uses a small camera (arthroscope) inserted through tiny cuts in your knee to diagnose and treat various knee problems. This article explains what you can expect on the day of your surgery.

Yes, knee arthroscopy is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries performed worldwide.

It affects people of all ages who have knee injuries or conditions that do not get better with rest, physical therapy, or other non-surgical treatments.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Knee pain that does not go away with rest or medication
• Swelling that comes and goes
• Stiffness or difficulty bending the knee fully
• Feeling that the knee is locking or catching
• The knee giving way or feeling unstable

Symptoms in children

• Pain after a sports injury
• Swelling that makes it hard to move the knee
• Limping or refusing to put weight on the leg

Symptoms in older adults

• Gradual onset of knee pain and stiffness
• Difficulty walking long distances or climbing stairs
• Swelling that is often worse after activity

Causes

Main causes

• Injury to the knee, such as tearing a ligament or cartilage from sports or a fall
• Overuse of the knee joint from repeated bending or heavy lifting
• Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, that damages the knee over time

Risk factors

• Participating in sports that involve pivoting, jumping, or sudden stops
• Being overweight or obese, which puts extra pressure on the knees
• Getting older – the risk of knee problems increases with age
• Having a family history of knee arthritis or other knee conditions

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any of the emergency symptoms listed above (bleeding, chest pain, signs of blood clot, allergic reaction) – call your local emergency number immediately
• If you develop a high fever or signs of infection after surgery – see a doctor right away

Book a routine appointment if:

• Attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon to check healing and remove stitches if needed
• If you have any concerns about your recovery, such as persistent swelling or pain beyond what your surgeon said to expect, contact your surgical team

Diagnosis

Before the day of surgery, your doctor will have diagnosed the need for arthroscopy. This usually starts with a physical exam where they check your knee’s movement, stability, and tenderness. They will ask about your symptoms and any injuries.

Tests that may be done

• X-rays to see the bones and joint space
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to get detailed images of soft tissues like ligaments and cartilage
• Sometimes ultrasound or CT scan if more information is needed

What to expect at your appointment

On the day of surgery, you will arrive at the hospital or surgical center. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours before the procedure (usually from midnight the night before). You will meet the anesthesiologist, who will discuss the type of anesthesia (often general or regional). The surgery itself usually takes 30–60 minutes. Afterward, you will go to a recovery room where nurses will monitor you until you are awake and comfortable enough to go home. You will need someone to drive you home.

Treatment

Knee arthroscopy is a treatment option when other methods like rest, physical therapy, and pain relief have not worked. During the procedure, the surgeon can repair torn cartilage, remove loose pieces, or smooth rough surfaces. Treatment does not stop with surgery – aftercare and rehabilitation are key to a full recovery.

Self-care at home

• Follow your surgeon’s instructions for icing your knee – usually ice packs for 15–20 minutes several times a day for the first few days
• Elevate your leg on pillows to help reduce swelling
• Do the gentle exercises your physiotherapist gives you – these are important to regain movement and prevent stiffness
• Keep the incisions clean and dry until your surgeon says it is safe to shower

Medical treatments

Your surgeon may prescribe pain relief medication to take after the procedure. You can also use over-the-counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen, but always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine, especially if you have other health conditions or take other medications. In hospital, you might receive a local anesthetic injection to numb the knee.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is considered when non-surgical treatments have not helped and the knee problem is causing significant pain, instability, or difficulty with daily activities. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you.

Living with this condition

For the first few days after surgery, you will need to take it easy. Use crutches if your surgeon recommends them. Most people can return to desk work within a week, but avoid driving until you can safely operate the pedals (usually 1–2 weeks). Follow your physiotherapy plan closely to regain strength and mobility.

Lifestyle tips

• Plan to have someone help with chores and cooking for the first few days
• Avoid heavy lifting, squatting, or kneeling until your surgeon says it is safe
• Wear comfortable shoes to reduce the risk of falling
• Sleep with a pillow under your knee if it feels uncomfortable

Diet and exercise

Eat a healthy balanced diet rich in protein (to help tissue healing) and vitamin C (for wound healing). Drink plenty of water. For exercise, begin with the simple leg exercises your physiotherapist gives you – like ankle pumps and straight leg raises. As you recover, you can gradually increase activity, but always follow your surgeon’s timeline for returning to sports or high-impact activities.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated during recovery, especially if progress feels slow. You may worry about the surgery outcome or fear re-injury. Talk to your healthcare team about any concerns. If feelings of sadness or worry last longer than a few weeks, reach out to your doctor or a mental health professional. In a crisis, call your local emergency number or a crisis helpline.

Prevention

Not all knee problems that lead to arthroscopy can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, strengthening the muscles around your knee (especially quadriceps and hamstrings), and using proper technique in sports and exercise. Wearing appropriate footwear and warming up before activity also help.

Complications

If left untreated

• Without surgery, some knee problems like a torn meniscus or loose cartilage can lead to ongoing pain and locking
• Chronic instability may increase the risk of further knee injury
• Untreated arthritis can slowly worsen over time

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most people who have knee arthroscopy is very good. Many return to their usual activities within a few weeks and experience significant pain relief. Full recovery may take a few months, especially if you follow your rehabilitation plan. While some knee conditions are not curable, surgery can greatly improve your quality of life. Your surgeon will give you a realistic idea of what to expect based on your specific situation.

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