Arthroscopic knee surgery is one of the most versatile orthopedic procedures. Done with small instruments and featuring quicker recovery times, this innovative operation helps people regain mobility, flexibility, and pain-free, independent movement. How should you prepare for recovery from your arthroscopic knee surgery? Learn the details here.
Dealing with Athletic Injury, Arthritis, or Something Else?
The structure of your knee is highly complex, and it is subject to a great deal of weight and wear-and-tear. Whether you are simply walking on a flat surface, climbing stairs, or playing sports, the knee plays a major role in every movement you make while on your feet.
As such, the knee is subject to both injury and deterioration, particularly if you are a sports enthusiast, have an active occupation, or simply are getting on in years. Our orthopedic surgeons see a wide range of both chronic and acute knee conditions, and for many of them, simple interventions, such as pain medications, bracing, physical therapy, and injections, increase function and reduce pain.
However, other conditions, such as a torn ACL, severely arthritic joint, fracture, or meniscus tear, need surgery. Fortunately, many patients qualify for minimally invasive arthroscopic knee surgery to do repairs or even replace worn knee joints with state-of-the-art prosthetics.
What Is Arthroscopic Knee Surgery?
Orthopedic surgeons carefully evaluate prospective candidates for arthroscopic surgery. Physical examination of the knee, along with X-ray imaging and a review of past and current treatments, help determine if arthroscopic surgery is your best option.
If so, you’ll learn that the surgery itself has the best chance of success when you have a recovery plan in place ahead of time. After your procedure, you must follow the plan carefully. Our arthroscopic knee, hip, and shoulder patients often return home the day of their procedure, and they benefit from:
- Smaller incisions
- Fewer sutures
- Less pain and swelling
- Less invasion and cutting of muscles and other soft tissues
- Less pain medication
With more complex arthroscopic procedures, patients need to stay in the hospital, but they find they are able to return home more quickly than those undergoing traditional orthopedic procedures.
Preparing For Recovery
Ahead of your surgery, know that recovery from any orthopedic procedure takes time, patience, effort, and compliance with your treatment plan. In other words, your positivity and hard work will only speed up your recovery and add to its quality.
Also, you should make the following preparations at home, so when you are discharged after your surgery, the transition will be as safe and smooth as possible. Accommodations you may have to make are:
- Taking time off work
- Enlisting the help of family and friends for housework, errands, and meal prep
- Knowing you may need assistive devices, such as braces, crutches, or canes
- Arranging your home to minimize the use of stairs
When you are home, you’ll follow a daily care plan to minimize pain and speed up healing. Depending on your diagnosis and procedure, your plan may include:
- Keeping your wound clean and dry
- Taking your pain medications as directed
- Going to physical therapy to build muscle strength and balance
- Elevating your operated leg and icing your surgical wound to reduce swelling
- Keeping as active as possible and limiting sitting
- Eating nutritious meals and staying hydrated
- Avoiding weight gain
- Watching for signs of infection (fever, swelling, drainage, redness, and warmth)
- Watching for signs of blood clots (throbbing pain, warmth or tenderness in the calf muscles)
- Contacting your orthopedic doctor with any concerns or questions you may have
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery in North Dakota
Combine innovative and state-of-the-art treatments with exceptional skill, and you get the care delivered at The Bone & Joint Center. If you are experiencing an orthopedic problem, let us help you figure out what the problem is and provide you with effective solutions.
For more information on minimally invasive orthopedic surgeries, arrange a one-on-one consultation at one of our 12 locations. Call (701) 946-7400 or (866) 900-8650 to speak with a member of our friendly team.
