FAQs of Total Knee Replacement Surgery

You may need knee arthroscopy if you have:

Meniscus Tears (cartilage damage)
Ligament Injuries (ACL, PCL, or MCL tears)
Loose Bodies (small bone/cartilage fragments floating inside the knee)
Cartilage Damage (Osteochondral defects)
Knee Infections or Inflammation
Knee Pain that Doesn’t Improve with Non-Surgical Treatments

A small incision is made near the knee.
A tiny camera (arthroscope) is inserted to visualize the joint.
Specialized instruments are used to repair or remove damaged tissue.
The incisions are closed with sutures, and the knee is bandaged.

Surgery Duration: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on complexity.

No, knee arthroscopy is not painful during the procedure because anesthesia is used (either local, spinal, or general). Post-surgery, there might be mild to moderate pain for a few days, which can be managed with:

Pain medications
Ice therapy
Rest & elevation

First 2 Weeks: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE therapy).
2-6 Weeks: Gradual weight-bearing, physiotherapy starts.
6-12 Weeks: Return to light activities and exercises.
3-6 Months: Full recovery for sports or strenuous activities.

Recovery time varies depending on the procedure performed and individual healing.

Most patients can walk with support within 24-48 hours. Crutches may be required for a few days to a few weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery.

Avoid driving for at least 1-2 weeks after the surgery, especially if the right knee is operated on. Driving can resume once you can safely brake without discomfort and are off pain medications.

Knee arthroscopy is very safe, but like any surgery, it has some risks:

Infection (Rare, <1% cases)
Blood clots (DVT)
Swelling and stiffness
Nerve or blood vessel injury (Extremely rare)
Incomplete pain relief (If severe arthritis is present)

Most complications are preventable with proper care.

Mild pain: 1-2 weeks
Swelling & stiffness: 3-6 weeks
Occasional discomfort: May persist for a few months, especially after activity.

Rest and elevate your leg to reduce swelling.
Ice therapy (15-20 min every 2-3 hours) for pain relief.
Use crutches if advised to avoid putting too much weight on your knee.
Follow your physiotherapy plan to regain strength and flexibility.
Avoid high-impact activities (running, jumping) for at least 3-6 months.