Knee Surgery: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Knee Surgery?
An orthopedic surgeon, a surgeon who treats bones and joints, performs knee surgery. A physical therapist, an exercise and rehabilitation specialist, may help with your recovery afterward. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Knee arthroscopy is surgery that uses a tiny camera to look inside your knee. Knee joint replacement is surgery to replace a knee joint with a man-made artificial joint. ACL reconstruction is surgery to reconstruct the ligament in the center of your knee. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects your shin bone to your thigh bone.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Arthroscopy may be recommended for a torn meniscus, which is cartilage that cushions the space between the bones in the knee. The most common reason to have a knee joint replaced is to relieve severe arthritis pain. ACL reconstruction may be used for a knee that gives way or feels unstable during daily activities.
How to prepare
Common preparation steps include the following.
- You may be asked to stop taking medicines that make it harder for your blood to clot.
- Ask your surgeon which medicines you should still take on the day of your surgery.
- If you have diabetes, heart disease, or other medical conditions, your surgeon may ask you to see the provider who treats you for them.
- If you smoke, try to stop, because smoking can slow down wound and bone healing.
- You will often be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure. Take the medicines you have been told to take with a small sip of water.
What happens during it
In knee arthroscopy, the surgeon makes 2 or 3 small cuts around your knee. A narrow tube with a tiny camera on the end goes in through one of the cuts. The surgeon then fixes or removes the problem in your knee. In knee joint replacement, damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the knee joint. Man-made pieces are then placed in the knee. ACL reconstruction is usually done with the help of knee arthroscopy. The torn ligament is removed and replaced with tissue from your own body or from a donor.
Recovery
Full recovery after knee arthroscopy depends on what type of problem was treated. After knee joint replacement, you may go home the same day or stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. You will be asked to start moving and walking as soon as the day of surgery. Full recovery from knee joint replacement takes 4 months to a year. After ACL reconstruction, you may need a knee brace and crutches for 1 to 6 weeks.
Risks and side effects
Risks of knee arthroscopy include bleeding into the knee joint and damage to the cartilage, meniscus, or ligaments in the knee. Other risks include a blood clot in the leg, injury to a blood vessel or nerve, infection in the knee joint, and knee stiffness. Risks of ACL reconstruction include failure of the ligament to heal and weakness of the knee. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting for two minutes or more, or fainting.
Who performs it
An orthopedic surgeon performs knee surgery.
Common questions
What is the difference between knee arthroscopy and knee replacement?
In knee arthroscopy, small cuts are made to insert a tiny camera and small surgical tools into the knee. In knee joint replacement, damaged cartilage and bone are removed and man-made pieces are placed in the knee.
How long does a knee replacement last?
Over 90 percent of artificial knee joints last over 15 years.
Is knee surgery done as an outpatient procedure?
It depends on the kind of knee surgery. Most people go home the same day they have knee arthroscopy. Most people can also go home the day of ACL reconstruction. After knee joint replacement, you may go home the same day or stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days.
How long is recovery after ACL reconstruction?
A full return to activities and sports after ACL reconstruction will often take 4 to 6 months. Sports that involve quick changes in direction, such as soccer, basketball, and football, may require up to 9 to 12 months of rehabilitation.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Knee arthroscopy
- MedlinePlus - Knee joint replacement
- MedlinePlus - ACL reconstruction
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
