Knee Arthroscopy Patient Information
+/- meniscectomy
What is an arthroscopy?
An arthroscopy is a safe and common procedure. A narrow telescope approximately 5mm in diameter is inserted into your knee through a small incision. The telescope allows the surgeon to inspect the interior of your knee joint in great detail.
The surgeon will inspect all structures inside the knee joint such as ligaments, cartilage (menisci) and joint surfaces (articular cartilage) to identify the source of your problem or to confirm a diagnosis. The latter can allow future treatment to be planned.
During the procedure the surgeon may feel it is necessary to perform arthroscopic surgery to the knee joint. The most common type of this surgery is the removal of torn cartilage (meniscectomy). Passing small instruments through other incision sites to probe or remove damaged tissue performs this procedure
After your operation
Your physiotherapist will see you before or following your surgery. They will explain the exercises and make sure you can mobilise and manage the stairs safely.
Dressings
Your knee will be bandaged, and your nurse will explain the exact procedure and tie for removal of the dressings. It is important that you keep the knee dry until the incisions have healed (usually about 8-10 days).
Contact Details
Outpatient Physiotherapy 020 8510 7835
Surgical Rehabilitation Team 020 8510 7423
Post op aims of physiotherapy
Performing your physiotherapy is important in accelerating your rate of recovery, preventing additional problems from occurring and returning to normal activities i.e. work and sports.
- Reduce swelling
- Restore full straightening of your knee
- Restore normal walking pattern
- Restore strength and bending of the knee joint
Applying Ice
It is really important in the initial stages following your surgery that you get the swelling under control. Applying ice and elevating the knee above the heartreduces swelling, improves pain and aids movement of the joint. This can be achieved by lying down and putting your foot on a stool or pillows. The use of tubigrip is also beneficial to add compression.
-Place an ice pack or frozen peas inside a water sealed/tight plastic bag (to ensure you keep the wound dry)
-Place the bag around the area to be treated ensuring that you cover the entire area.
-Leave it on for 15-20 minutes, 4 - 6 times daily
-If you feel any uncomfortable or painful sensations under the area of the ice bag, take the ice bag of and check for ice burns. You can keep the ice off for 3-5 min and reapply the ice again.
Mobilising
You may get up and walk with supervision as soon as you feel able. You will be supplied with crutches if they are required. In the early stages try and keep mobilsing to a minimum until the pain and swelling are under control.
Post-Op Arthroscopy Exercises
These should be done 4 times a day. Increase the number of repetitions as your swelling and pain improves, starting with 10.If the exercises are causing increased discomfort lasting longer than 30 minutes after stopping the exercise, or increased swelling, then reduce the number of repetitions of each exercise.
TO BE DONE 4 TIMES PER DAY
Knee Flexion
Resting with your knee extended in front of you. Slide your foot up towards you. Bending the knee as far as pain allows. Do not force this movement. Lying on your back
Repeat 10 times
Static Quadriceps contraction
Sitting with your leg out in front of you. (place a rolled up towel under your heel for a bigger stretch). Pull your foot towards you, tighten your thigh muscles and press your knee down into the bed.
Hold for 5 seconds and then relax
Repeat 10 times
1
Updated April 2014
Inner range quadriceps
Exercise your operated leg by pulling your foot and toes up, tightening your thigh muscle and straightening the knee (keep knee on roll). Hold approx. 5 seconds and slowly relax.
Repeat 10 times
1
Updated April 2014
Straight leg raise
Lying on your back with one leg straight and the other leg bent
Exercise your straight leg by pulling the toes up, straightening the knee and lifting the leg 20cm off the bed. Hold approx. 5 seconds- slowly relax
Repeat 10 times
1
Updated April 2014