Knee Arthroscopy for a Ligament Tear

Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that help support the knee. A ligament tear can cause pain or swelling. It can also cause the knee to feel unstable. Knee arthroscopy is a procedure that can diagnose and treat a ligament tear. It is done with a device called an arthroscope (scope). The scope is a thin tube containing a light and camera. It allows the doctor to see and work inside the knee joint. This sheet tells you more about the procedure and what to expect.

Preparing for Surgery

Prepare as you have been told. Tell your doctor about all medications you take. This includes over-the-counter drugs. It also includes herbs and other supplements. You may need to stop taking some or all of them before surgery. Also, follow any directions you’re given for not eating or drinking before surgery.

The Day of Surgery

The surgery takes about 1-2 hours. You will likely go home the same day.

Before the surgery begins:

• An IV line is put into a vein in your arm or hand. This line supplies fluids and medications.

• You will be given medication to keep you free of pain during the surgery. This is called anesthesia. Depending on what type of anesthesia is used, you may be awake, drowsy, or asleep during the surgery. You will also be given medication in the area of your leg that will be worked on.

• The knee to be worked on is marked.

During the surgery:

• Two or three small incisions (portals) are made in the knee. In some cases, a slightly larger incision may also be needed.

• The scope is inserted through one of the portals. It sends pictures from inside the knee to a video screen. Sterile fluid is sent through the scope to expand the knee joint. The fluid makes it easier to see the knee joint. The doctor looks closely at the tear and determines how best to treat it.

• Surgical tools are inserted through the other portals.

• The scope and tools are used to reconstruct a torn ligament. Damaged tissue is replaced with a piece of healthy tissue (a graft). The graft tissue may come from your own body or from a tissue donor.

• When the procedure is done, the sterile fluid is drained from the knee. The scope and other tools are removed.

• Incisions are closed with stitches (sutures). The knee is then bandaged.

After the Surgery

You’ll be taken to a recovery room. Medications and cold packs are used to manage pain and swelling. Your leg is also raised (elevated) to reduce swelling. You may be given a special brace (immobilizer) to wear. This brace helps support the knee while it heals. When it’s time to go home, have an adult friend or family member drive you.

Recovering at Home

Once home, follow any instructions you are given. These include:

• Take pain medication and any other medication as directed.

• Care for your incisions as instructed. This includes keeping the incisions dry when bathing or showering.

• Elevate your leg to reduce pain and swelling. This means keeping your knee at a level higher than your heart.

• Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to your knee a few times a day. Do this for 20 minutes at a time. Or use a continuous icing system if recommended by your doctor. Icing helps reduce swelling.

• Expect some numbness in the leg for 24-28 hours after surgery.

• Perform exercises to help with healing as instructed. You may be told to walk a few times daily.

• Use any aids, such as a brace, splint, or crutches, as instructed.

• Limit sports or activities as directed.

• Do not drive until your doctor says it’s okay.

• Do physical therapy (PT) for your knee as prescribed. PT is a program of guided exercise that can help you regain movement and strength in your knee.

Follow-Up

Keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor. Sutures will likely need to be removed about 7-10 days after surgery. If physical therapy is prescribed, keep all appointments with your physical therapist. He or she can help you set goals for recovery and a plan to work toward them. Be patient with your progress. It takes about 6 months for the knee to fully heal.