Recovery After Knee Arthroscopy
With very rare exceptions, knee arthroscopy procedures are performed as outpatient surgery. Most patients go home the same day. Recovery depends strongly on what was done inside the knee.
Partial meniscectomy
Weight bearing is often allowed early. Recovery usually focuses on swelling control, restoring full extension, regaining quadriceps control, and gradually returning to walking, stairs, work, and recreational activity.
Meniscal repair
Recovery is slower because the meniscus must heal. Crutches, a brace, and limits on bending, squatting, twisting, or pivoting may be required. Return to sport-level activity commonly takes several months.
Loose body removal
Recovery may be relatively quick if no additional major procedure is performed. The goal is to restore comfortable range of motion and reduce swelling.
Cartilage procedures
Recovery may require a longer period of protected weight bearing, especially after marrow-stimulation techniques. Return to higher-impact activity is individualized.
Synovial biopsy or debridement
Recovery depends on the underlying inflammatory or synovial condition. Swelling control and motion are usually emphasized early.
ACL-related arthroscopy
When arthroscopy is part of ACL reconstruction, recovery follows a ligament reconstruction protocol and is much longer than simple diagnostic arthroscopy or partial meniscectomy.