How long does a meniscus and ACL surgery take?

Most ACL reconstructions are done under general anesthesia. So you’ll be asleep during the surgery and not feel anything. The surgery usually takes 2 to 2½ hours, and you won’t need to stay in the hospital overnight.

Do you get put to sleep for meniscus surgery?

Your healthcare provider may suggest full or partial meniscus removal if you tear your meniscus. Meniscectomy can be done with local or general anesthesia (in which you are put to sleep) and it can decrease pain and restore mobility.

Can you have ACL and meniscus surgery at the same time?

Because the procedure utilizes smaller incisions, patients often have less scarring and less pain after surgery. The procedure varies based on whether the tear is in the meniscus, the ACL, or both. If both the ACL and the meniscus are torn, Dr. Casey will typically do both procedures at the same time.

Is ACL and meniscus surgery outpatient?

ACL reconstruction is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll be able to go home the same day.

How soon can you walk after ACL and meniscus surgery?

As this healing occurs, patients progress towards bearing weight, increasing their range of motion, and leaving the knee brace behind. How quickly this progress occurs varies by surgeon, but a typical range is 4-8 weeks. Patients are usually out of the brace and walking without crutches around 2-3 months.

Can you walk immediately after meniscus surgery?

You can’t walk right after surgery. How long recovery takes depends on the type of meniscus surgery and the severity of the injury, but expect two weeks down time, at minimum. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped pad of cartilage located in the knee that helps stabilize and cushion the joint.

Can you walk with a torn ACL and meniscus?

The short answer is yes. After the pain and swelling subsides and if there is no other injury to your knee, you may be able to walk in straight lines, go up and down stairs and even potentially jog in a straight line.

Can I sleep with my knee bent after ACL surgery?

You can sleep on your back or side. Do not rest your knee with a pillow/towel under. It is very important to keep your knee straight. You will need a walking aid after your operation as you are likely to have a reduced weight-bearing (partial weight-bearing) capacity through your operated leg for two weeks.