Your questions about arthroscopic meniscus surgery
Allowing exception, this is an ambulatory surgery with 6 to 10 hours of hospitalization only.
Considering that it’s a short procedure with little postoperative pain, it will be performed with a very light general anesthesia. This procedure can also be done with a local anesthetic, when required by the patient.
The patient can walk, leaning on a crutch if necessary. There are no forbidden activities, but they should be limited the first days, and ice should be applied on the knee to reduce swelling. The patient can usually drive after 3 to 4 days. Rehabilitation should start as soon as possible, the day after surgery. Resumption of sports is possible three weeks after the procedure.
Like any surgery, arthroscopy can lead to:
- Bleeding from the puncture points
- Hematoma
- Intraarticular effusion, that might need a puncture
- Phlebitis
- “Racket shaped” anesthesia region on one of the entry points
- Infection. Although very unusual, this complication might lead to a new procedure to “clean” the joint, and the use of antibiotics.
- Although it’s difficult to consider all the possible postoperative complications, arthroscopy remains a simple and low risk surgery.
