What happens after knee arthroscopy surgery?

Recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery typically involves 1-2 hours in the recovery room with the remainder of the recovery process taking place in the home.  Patients should not expect to be up and around immediately. It is important to follow the recovery instructions that are provided by the orthopedic surgeon that perfromed the procedure.  The most common after-effect is swelling around the incision. This can be minimized by keeping the affected leg elevated as much as possible for the first few days following surgery.  Your physician may recommend ice packs as a means of reducing swelling and relieving pain. Dressings over the incision should be kept clean and dry, and they can typically be removed after the first day.  Patients may shower but should avoid applying the water stream directly on the incision.  Soaking baths should be avoided until the incision is completely healed.  A post-op visit will typically be scheduled for a few days after the surgery to review the progress of the procedure an to begin physical therapy.   Physical therapy, a regimen of exercises, can be done at home but sometimes a physical therapist may be required.