Knee Arthroscopy

ACL Reconstruction

ACL reconstruction has a typical recovery timeline of 6-8 months before return to sport. Protecting the graft during early healing is essential.

The First Week

Ice continuously (20 on/20 off) during waking hours.
The brace will remain locked in extension for the first week.

What to Expect

Swelling, bruising, stiffness, and tightness in the knee are expected and often most prominent in the first 1–2 weeks.
Quad inhibition (“quad shutdown”) is very common early after surgery.
Bruising may track down the leg and mild warmth around the knee is normal.
Temporary numbness around the incision is common.
Pain and stiffness will fluctuate and gradually improve over time

Weight-Bearing

Most patients are weight-bearing with crutches immediately.
Work toward full weight-bearing over the first 1–2 weeks as pain and swelling allow.
Use crutches until you can walk without a limp — do not rush.

Physical Therapy

PT is essential for a successful outcome and is essential for graft protection and recovery. Typically begins within 1 week.
Early goals: full extension, quad activation, swelling control, and normal walking mechanics.
Daily home exercises are required in addition to formal PT.

Call Us If You Experience:

Fever above 101.5°F
Increasing wound drainage, redness, or wound separation
Sudden complete loss of ability to move the knee that was previously moving, calf swelling/pain, or tenderness, altered mental status, sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (call 911 immediately)

Partial Meniscectomy

Partial meniscectomy is typically an outpatient procedure with a recovery of 4–6 weeks for most patients.

What to Expect

Swelling and stiffness in the first 1–2 weeks is normal.
Some patients feel immediate relief; others experience a period of soreness before improvement.
Mild clicking or popping in the knee post-op is common and usually resolves. A feeling of instability can occur occasionally and generally resolves after 3 months.

Weight-Bearing and Restrictions

Most patients are weight-bearing as tolerated immediately, with crutches for comfort as needed.
No excessive deep squatting, kneeling, or quickly pivoting on the operative leg for the first month postoperatively.

Activity Progression

Walking: increase distance gradually over the first 2 weeks.
Stationary bike (low resistance): typically cleared at 1–2 weeks.
Return to work (sedentary): typically 3–7 days.
Return to work (physical labor): typically 4–6 weeks.
Return to sport/running: typically 4–8 weeks depending on recovery.

Wound Care

Portal sites are small. Keep dry for 48 hours, then you may shower.
Avoid submerging (pools, baths) until portals are fully closed — approximately 3 weeks.
Sutures (if present) removed at 7–10 days.

Call Us If You Experience:

Fever above 101.5°F
Increasing pain, warmth, or drainage beyond 1 week.
Knee that is locked and cannot be straightened or bent
Sudden complete loss of ability to move the knee that was previously moving, calf swelling/pain, or tenderness, altered mental status, sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (call 911 immediately)