Knee · Meniscus
Knee arthroscopy
Meniscus Tear, Cartilage Wear, Loose Bodies, and Scar Tissue or Inflamed Joint Lining
The condition
The knee has two menisci (C-shaped cushions between the bones) and smooth articular cartilage on the bone ends. A meniscus can tear, cartilage can fray, small pieces (loose bodies) can break free, and the joint lining can become inflamed or scarred, causing pain, swelling, catching or locking, and stiffness.
The surgery
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive, typically outpatient surgery done through a few small incisions using a camera and small instruments. Depending on what is found, your surgeon may trim the torn part of a meniscus (partial meniscectomy), smooth frayed cartilage (chondroplasty), remove loose bodies, and remove inflamed joint lining or scar tissue (synovectomy / lysis of adhesions). The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Weight-bearing
- Generally, full weight as tolerated right away; crutches are for comfort and are typically set aside within the first week. (If a meniscus repair or cartilage restoration is needed instead, a brace and a longer period on crutches will apply.)
- Motion
- No brace or motion limits. Bending and straightening start right away, with full motion expected by 2–4 weeks.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within the first week. Most daily activities by ~3 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Running
- Stationary bike and walking for exercise by 2–4 weeks. Running typically begins after 4 weeks, once swelling has settled.
- Sports
- Typically 6–8 weeks (up to 12 weeks for some), after regaining full motion and strength and passing functional testing.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Most patients have less pain, swelling, and catching, and return to usual activities. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, lingering swelling, numbness near incisions, incomplete relief or return of symptoms (more likely with arthritis), joint wear over time, scar tissue returning, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or cartilage), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
Open, save or print. Bring your questions to your pre-op visit.
Before & after every surgery