Arthroscopic Meniscectomy-Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Surgery for Torn Meniscus Cartilage in the Knee.
Edited By: Carol C. Teitz, M.D.
Last updated Friday, January 02, 2009
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Recovering from surgeryHow much pain do patients usually have after arthroscopic meniscectomy-minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for torn meniscus cartilage in the knee and what medications are used to manage it? In the first 24-48 hours after arthroscopic meniscectomy, the operated
knee is swollen and moderately painful. However most patients are able
to return to sedentary jobs by the third postoperative day. Medications
used to manage pain in the first 48 hours include oral narcotics such
as hydrocodone or oxycodone. Subsequently,
acetaminophen or ibuprofen are sufficient.
The application of ice or other cold therapeutic devices to the knee
are also very helpful in controlling pain and swelling.How are medications after arthroscopic meniscectomy-minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for torn meniscus cartilage in the knee administered? How long will they be needed? Most patients do not use any pain relievers after the first postoperative week.What are the most frequent and most serious side effects of taking pain medication after arthroscopic meniscectomy-minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for torn meniscus cartilage in the knee? Narcotic pain medications can cause drowsiness, slowness of breathing,
difficulties emptying bowel and bladder, nausea, vomiting, and allergic
reactions. Anti-inflammatory medications can cause stomach irritation,
nausea and headaches. Patients who have had substantial exposure to
narcotic medications or alcohol in the recent past may find that the
usual doses of pain medication are less effective. For some patients,
balancing the benefit and the side effects of pain medication is
challenging. Patients should notify their surgeon if they have had
previous difficulties with pain medication or pain control.After arthroscopic meniscectomy-minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for torn meniscus cartilage in the knee, what happens in the hospital and when is the patient usually discharged? Arthroscopic meniscectomy is an outpatient procedure. After surgery the
patient remains in the recovery room until the effects of anesthesia
have worn off, usually for 1-2 hours.After arthroscopic meniscectomy-minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for torn meniscus cartilage in the knee, what happens at hospital discharge and what are the patient's limitations at that time? By the time the patient leaves the recovery room, he or she may put
as much weight as tolerated on the operated limb. Many patients choose
to use crutches for a few days. Staying relatively quiet, keeping the
limb elevated and the knee iced for 48 hours is the best way to keep
swelling to a minimum thus speeding return to full activities. During
the first 48 hours, before the patient is fully up and around, it is
also important to flex one's feet up and down regularly to help prevent
blood clots from forming in the calf veins.
What type of help do patients need after arthroscopic meniscectomy-minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery for torn meniscus cartilage in the knee and for how long? Can they go home or do they require a convalescent facility? Patients do not require a convalescent facility after arthroscopic
meniscectomy. They may require some assistance with self-care for the
first day or two. Driving may be difficult in the first postoperative
week until the swelling has resolved enough to allow sufficient knee
motion.Surgery for Torn Meniscus Cartilage in the Knee at the University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle, Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure in Seattle, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-543-1552 or 425-646-7777 to make an appointment. Our clinical center is located in Seattle Washington, USA
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