How long after arthroscopy can you drive

Heavy work or sports may be restricted for the first weeks. Followed by 2 weeks of limited motion before resuming daily activities. Physical therapy starts right after surgery. The patient should be able to bear weight on the knee while standing or walking, immediately after surgery with a brace.

The patient is expected to walk with crutches for weeks after surgery. Rehabilitation is intended to control pan and swelling, achieve maximum range of motion and full load walking. Patients with a low impact job can return to work weeks after surgery, drive after weeks, and return to heavy work or sports months after surgery. Articular cartilage is the cartilage at the end of the bones. Damage can occur from trauma or normal wear and tear. Arthroscopy is used to remove loose pieces of cartilage.

A microfracture procedure makes tiny holes in the bone marrow of the damaged cartilage to generate new cartilage. After surgery the joint must be protected while the cartilage heals.

No weight bearing is permitted for the first few weeks after surgery. Physical therapy to restore mobility may include continuous passive movement therapy which moves the joint through ROM constantly. Rehabilitation is focused on strengthening the joint and muscles. The patellar tendon attaches to muscles in the knee to help you straighten your leg. Rather the patient will wear a brace and do physical therapy for weeks while the tendon heals.

Surgical options are arthroscopic surgery or full open surgery. Larger tears and ruptures are disabling injuries and usually require open surgery to regain full knee function. Surgery may outpatient procedure or a short hospital stay, with a spinal anesthetic, or general anesthesia. Rehab starts on the operating room table. Immediately after surgery the patient will need pain management and applications of ice to reduce swelling.

In most cases, you cannot damage the knee by doing too much, however, you CAN make it hurt and swell. You probably overdid it a little. Use ice and rest the knee. What should I worry about? The most serious complication that can occur after arthroscopy is a blood clot in the calf. This is easily prevented if you avoid lying in bed for days after surgery and instead walk around a little.

Some muscle soreness in the calf is normal because you are walking in an unusual way following surgery. This complication is rare, but should be taken seriously. As always — if you are concerned call the office. When will my appointments be? Routine post op appointments occur at days after surgery and then at 4 — 6 weeks after surgery.

Can I get a note for Work or School? Notes for missing school and work are available upon request. Show password. Reset Password. Nav Login.

Please enter both an email address and a password. Account login Email. Need to reset your password? You must complete the process within 2hrs of receiving the link. Password Reset Email. We've sent you an email An email has been sent to Simply follow the link provided in the email to reset your password.

Driving - an exercise After about 7—10 days, you might want to test your fitness to drive. It is advisable not to restart driving with a long journey. Surgical Outcomes Driving up standards of care for patients through publishing surgeons outcomes data.