What happens after knee arthroscopy?
After arthroscopic surgery, the small incisions will be covered with a bulky dressing and knee immobilizer. You will be moved from the operating room into the recovery room. Some patients will need little or no pain medication, although it is not uncommon to have pain if an injury was treated. The surgeon will usually put novocaine in the knee at the time of surgery for pain relief after surgery. This will often last for about six-eight hours after surgery. Pain medication should be used as needed for the first few days after surgery. After the novocaine wears off, it is not uncommon to have discomfort in the knee. The pain should be well controlled with Ibuprofen (Motrin) and/or Tylenol with Codeine (tablets or liquid). The dose will depend on weight of the patient. A presciption will be given and should be filled prior to going home from the hospital. Once you are awake, tolerating drinking and eating, and pain is well controlled, you will be discharged home. General Post-Op Instruct
