Based on the results of your interview, examination, and imaging studies, you can expect a custom care plan catered specifically to you.

Many people believe it’s best to wait until pain becomes severe, leading them to “put off” or delay treatments like knee arthroscopy.

If you are in constant discomfort, have shooting or stabbing pains, have limited range of motion, or an inability to perform your daily activities, a treatment like knee arthroscopy may be right for you.

New technologies allow patients with severe foot and ankle pain to fully recover and enjoy the benefits of a more functional, pain-free lifestyle.

Prior to surgery, you will typically receive at least 2 phone calls:

• A hospital registration representative will call to gather insurance and other personal information.
• A registered nurse will call to review your health history and medication information.

Dependent on your health history, your physician may require:

• Pre-surgical laboratory tests
• X-rays
• Primary care clearance

Pre-operative instructions will vary depending on your physician and the location of your surgery.

Always check with your physician before surgery for specific instructions.

Most physicians require that patients not eat or drink after midnight prior to surgery.

Additionally, you will need to designate a family member or friend to drive you home on the day you are released from the hospital. Surgical patients cannot drive themselves home.

If you schedule your surgery with a KCOA physician, you can expect the following on surgery day: 

• A receptionist will check you in at the hospital registration desk.
• A nurse will take you back and prepare you for surgery. They will start an IV, prepare the surgical site, and review your medical history and medications.
• Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will visit with you prior to your operation.
• The surgical team will take you to the operation suite for surgery.

During a knee arthroscopy in Kansas City, you will remain under general anesthesia.

The surgeon fills the knee joint with fluid and makes several small incisions around the knee, so they can insert a tiny camera (arthroscope) into the joint, giving them a clear guide for the surgical instruments. Saline fluid flows through the arthroscope to keep the image clear and your bleeding minimal.

This is different from an open surgery, which requires a larger incision and often longer recovery times.

After assessing the injury and condition, your surgeon will begin the repair. Knee arthroscopy gives access to many repair options, such as removing inflamed tissue or loose bone fragments and cartilage, releasing scar tissue that is blocking motion, and treating fractures and breaks.

A patient’s recovery plan and timeline will vary based on a variety of factors, including the procedure that was performed, age, activity level, goals, and more.

However, taking care of your body is essential to ensure optimal results from your knee arthroscopy. In the immediate aftermath of your surgery, it’s important to keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling in the knee. Your care team may prescribe medications to assist with pain and soreness..

For many patients undergoing a knee arthroscopy there will be a period of time where you’ll be instructed to keep weight off of or limit the weight you put through your surgically repaired leg. During this time, we may provide you with crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair.

After surgery, you can expect swelling, soreness and bruising around the knee. This is normal. If stitches or staples were required, they are often removed 10-14 days after the surgery.

Your provider team will provide you customized instructions on how to progress your recovery.

Physical therapy may be ordered to help guide you through structured exercises and stretches to help you achieve the best outcome.

Timelines for recovery vary dramatically from a few weeks to months, based on the procedure performed.