Questions
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How long is it necessary to wait before continuing sport after a meniscectomy in arthroscopy?
Generally, contact sports (football, Rugby, handball, etc.) may be resumed 4 to 6 weeks after intervention. Bicycling, walking and swimming are possible after 15 days. It is essential to use common sense when resuming sports activities. It should always be done progressively and reasonably.
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Is it necessary to walk with two crutches after an arthroscopic partial meniscectomy ?
No; complete weight-bearing is allowed the day after intervention, but it is better (for the first 2-3 days) to remain at rest with the knee elevated and to use ice packs.
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How many days of hospitalization are likely to be necessary?
Hospitalization time is very short: knee arthroscopy is carried out during day-surgery; however for geographical reasons (distance), family problems (somebody who lives alone), medical, even suitability, a 48 hours period of hospitalization is advised.
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And if I don’t want to undergo surgery?
A suturable rupture can become insuturable with time. Meniscal lesions can be the cause of articular crises (pains, blockings, swelling) which can occur constantly, sometimes resulting in the patient having to cancel projects or appointments at the very last minute. In addition physical or sporting activities can be severly limited for long periods.
Schoolpupils will need to take a break of about 3-4 of days. For “manual” workers (mechanics, electricians etc.) it will be necessary to stop working from 2 to 4 weeks. For a sedentary job 2 weeks are often sufficient. Nevertheless the knee can remain weak for a period of 4 to 6 weeks.
In general, 48 hours after surgery you can regain a very quiet everyday lifestyle (climb stairs, drive a car...). Nevertheless reaction times will be reduced during 4 weeks. Whilst it is possible to drive, great care must be taken.
Personal hygiene before and after any intervention in orthopedic surgery is very important: nevertheless, the small skin incision should not be allowed to get wet - by taking a bath for example, because the risk of infection is very high if the wound does not heal properly. These days, special tight bandages are available which allow one to take a shower without problems.
Wires fall out between 10 -15 days, if they are the resorbable type. If not, they should be removed approximately 14 days after intervention (which should be a painless experience....).