Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that is performed to diagnose and/or treat many types of persistent knee problems, such as knee fractures, knee synovitis, or soft-tissue injuries like bursitis, torn meniscus, and patellar tendonitis. During arthroscopic surgery, tiny incisions are made around the knee, and your orthopedic surgeon then inserts a thin tube with camera functionality at the end to see the inside of your knee joint and repair the problem.
Post-op instructions after having arthroscopic knee surgery are fairly simple and mostly involve ways to improve healing and to speed up the recovery period. You will be advised to limit the movement of your knee for a period of time after arthroscopy, and a knee brace is usually key in maintaining knee immobilization while your knee heals.
Let’s talk about how a knee brace is an important part of healing after having arthroscopic knee surgery, and where you can go throughout North Dakota for expert diagnosis and orthopedic treatment of your knee problem.
Wearing a Brace After Knee Arthroscopy
There are many cases in which surgeons recommend wearing a knee brace after arthroscopic knee surgery in order to provide adequate support to the knee. This is particularly true when your surgery involves the repair of a torn meniscus (knee cartilage).
Knee braces are also recommended if your arthroscopic surgery involves repairing a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). This is because the graft that your orthopedic surgeon uses to reconstruct your ACL takes time to heal.
During the healing process – which may take six to ten weeks or even longer – your knee is at risk of damage, particularly if you put too much force on it. So, wearing a knee brace after arthroscopic knee surgery can protect the joint while it heals.
When Can I Take My Knee Brace Off?
You will be advised to remove the brace when you take a shower or bath. This will give your knee and leg a break from wearing the brace, but you will receive instructions as to how to be careful and how to shower without jarring the healing knee.
You are likely to be asked to keep the knee brace on when sleeping, standing, and walking. The brace will help the knee to stay straight and not suffer an accidental twist or impact.
Keep in mind that wearing a brace is much better than having to wear a cast. You cannot remove a cast, whereas you can remove the knee brace and give your leg a break while sitting or lying down. It is best to keep the leg elevated while at rest, as this will help to foster proper blood circulation away from the leg (thereby avoiding swelling) and toward the heart.
If you have chronic or intermittent knee pain, don’t hesitate to visit us at The Bone & Joint Center. Our highly skilled orthopedic doctors include Dr. Timothy Bopp, who specializes in hip and knee surgery; Dr. Joe Carlson, who specializes in knee and shoulder surgery; Dr. Derrick Cote, who specializes in general orthopedic surgery; Dr. Brian Dahl, who specializes in hip and knee surgery; and Dr. Timothy Juelson, who specializes in orthopedic sports medicine.
We are committed to providing our patients with comprehensive and individualized care for knee pain and other joint conditions. We deliver exceptional, high-quality care for your knee problem, so that you can get back on your feet faster.
To make an appointment with one of our outstanding knee experts, call us today at (800) 424-2663 (BONE) or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your orthopedic physicians of choice!
