This guide explains how to prepare for knee arthroscopy and what to expect during your recovery. Your surgeon’s instructions are based on the procedure performed, so follow the directions given by your care team even if they differ from general guidance.
Use the sections below to review your preoperative checklist, incision care, activity restrictions, follow-up schedule, and reasons to call Decatur Orthopedic Center.
Review pre-op instructions
Review recovery instructions
Complete each step below and contact DOC if any instruction is unclear.
Tell DOC about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements. Some medications must be stopped before surgery. Common examples include NSAIDs, blood thinners, and most herbal supplements.
You will receive a list explaining which medications to stop and when. You will also be told which medications are safe to take the morning of surgery. If required medications are not stopped as directed, surgery will be cancelled.
You will receive a call from our office a day or two before your scheduled surgery. We will answer last-minute questions, review details for surgery day, and give you your confirmed surgery arrival time.
Nothing to eat or drink, smoke or chew after midnight. Non-compliance will result in cancellation of your surgery.
Follow the instructions provided at discharge and use this guide as a reference during recovery.
Your appointment is 2 weeks post-operative. If it has not been scheduled, call 217-864-2665 as soon as possible.
The hospital will provide crutches for discharge. They will be billed through your insurance as durable medical equipment.
Keep the bandage clean, dry, and intact for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, remove the bandage and cover the incision sites with a bandage.
Your stitches will be removed at your 2-week follow-up appointment.
Showering is permitted after 48 hours. Do not soak, take a tub bath, or swim until 4 weeks after surgery. Do not apply lotions, creams, or ointments to the incision sites until 4 weeks after surgery.
Follow the medication regimen given to you. If you have questions, call the nurse at DOC.
If you experience undesired side effects, stop the medication immediately and call the nurse. Pain medications will not be renewed after 6 weeks post-op.
Anytime you are sitting down, apply ice to your knee. Do not apply ice directly to your skin. Place fabric between the ice and your skin.
The skin around the incision sites may be slightly numb. This is normal.
If your left knee was operated on, you cannot drive until 2 weeks after surgery. If your right knee was operated on, you cannot drive until 3 weeks after surgery.
Timing depends on your job. You should no longer be taking narcotic pain medication before returning. Discuss your return date at the 2-week follow-up appointment.
If you had a meniscal repair, you are non-weight bearing for 6 weeks.
If you did not have a repair, you may bear weight as tolerated. If you are unsure whether your meniscus was repaired, call DOC for clarification before putting weight on the leg.
Contact DOC if you notice:
Contact the office immediately if you experience:
Your postoperative appointment is scheduled for 2 weeks after surgery. If it has not already been scheduled, call DOC at 217-864-2665.
Keep the bandage clean, dry, and intact for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, you may remove it and cover the incision sites with a bandage.
Showering is permitted after 48 hours. Do not soak, take a tub bath, or swim until 4 weeks after surgery.
If you had a meniscal repair, you are non-weight bearing for 6 weeks. If you did not have a repair, you may bear weight as tolerated. Call DOC if you are unsure which instruction applies to you.
If your left knee was operated on, you cannot drive until 2 weeks after surgery. If your right knee was operated on, you cannot drive until 3 weeks after surgery.
Knee Resource Library
Browse symptoms, treatment decisions, procedures, and recovery information.
If knee pain is limiting your walking, exercise, or daily activities, the next step is a proper evaluation.
Most patients start with a consultation to better understand the cause of their symptoms and the treatment options available.
