Diagnostic Knee Arthroscopy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.
A diagnostic knee arthroscopy is a procedure to look inside your knee joint. It is usually done to check for disease or damage inside your knee. Your healthcare provider may repair damage or take tissue for a biopsy.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Seek care immediately if:
- Your leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
- Blood soaks through your bandage.
- Your stitches come apart.
- You fall or injure your knee.
- Your toes are numb, tingly, cool, or blue.
Contact your healthcare provider or orthopedist if:
- You have a fever.
- You have more pain in your knee, even after you take pain medicines.
- Your incision site is red, swollen, or draining pus.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Knee bandage care:
Keep the bandage on your knee clean and dry. Do not remove your bandage until your healthcare provider says it is okay. Your healthcare provider will tell you when it is okay to take a shower or bath. He or she will tell you when to change the bandage.
Self-care:
- Keep your knee elevated as directed. Raise your knee above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your knee on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
- Put ice on your knee. Ice helps decrease swelling and pain. Ice may also help prevent tissue damage. Use an ice pack or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel. Place it on your knee for 15 to 20 minutes every hour as directed.
- Wear your knee brace and pressure stockings as directed. Your brace will prevent your knee from moving and may help it heal. Pressure stockings put pressure on your legs to help blood flow and prevent clots.
- Use assistive devices as directed. Use crutches or other devices to keep pressure off your knee as it heals.
- Exercise your knee as directed. Your healthcare provider may give you exercises to do after your procedure. Start slowly and return to your usual activities as directed.
Physical therapy
is used to teach you exercises to help improve movement and strength, and to decrease pain.
Follow up with your orthopedist as directed:
Your orthopedist may need to check your knee within a few days after your procedure. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
