FAQ

Q: What surgical procedures are done arthroscopically?

A: Several procedures may be done arthroscopically. The most common are:

Debridement: Shaving/removal of any loose or fraying cartilage.
Meniscectomy: Removal of the damaged portion of the meniscus. In some instances the meniscus can be repaired.
Ligament reconstruction: The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments can be reconstructed.
Lateral release: Release of the lateral retinaculum to improve the alignment of the patella and help decrease kneecap pain.

Q: How long will I be in the hospital?

A: All the surgical procedures described above are outpatient. You should expect to arrive at the hospital 3 hours before your procedure and will remain for about two hours following. You need to arrange for a ride to and from the surgery center.

Q: How much pain should I expect to have?

A: Pain varies from patient to patient and depends somewhat on the surgical procedure. However, in all cases the key to controlling pain is proper management from the beginning. For the first 24 hours postop your knee will be numb from the medication injected into your knee during surgery, although some patients will have pain in the first 24 hours. Pain is managed through a combination of oral medications, cold therapy, rest and muscle strengthening. Proper utilization of these techniques should make postoperative pain minimal.

Q: When will I be able to return to my job?

A: Return to work is variable depending on the type of surgery you have. They basic guidelines are as follows:

Debridement / Meniscectomy – sedentary 1 to 2 weeks
Lateral Release – sedentary 2 to 3 weeks
Anterior Cruciate Ligament – Return to work day 8 (desk job) 1 – 2 months (physical labor)

Q: How do you repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament?

A: Because a torn ACL does not heal well it is replaced with a substitute tissue. Choices include:

Autograft Tissue: Tissue taken from you, typically a portion of the patella tendon or hamstring tendons.
Allograft Tissue: Tissue donated from a cadaver, typically the patellar tendon or Achilles tendon.

These options will be discussed extensively prior to surgery.

Q: How long will I be on crutches?

A: Crutches are not needed following Debridement, Meniscectomy, or Lateral Release Surgery. Following ACL surgery you should expect to be on crutches for 5-7 days depending on muscle control.

Q: How much physical therapy will I be doing?

A: Physical therapy is an important part of the recovery process. Prior to your surgery a personal rehabilitation program will be developed based on your specific situation. All patients are put on a home exercise program. The program emphasizes quadriceps (muscle) strengthening and range of motion (flexibility) reacquisition. This is done through a program of hourly exercises.

Most of our patients do not need formal physical therapy (where you rehab with a physical therapist) instead a home / self directed rehabilitation program is used. Patients begin with low intensity exercises and progress to more advanced exercises as permitted. Progression to more advanced exercises is based on your symptoms. They key is to be able to do the physical therapy exercises with minimal pain and swelling.