When can patients return to sport after knee arthroscopy?

Knee arthroscopy is minimally invasive, so patients usually face less pain, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery than with traditional surgery. But returning to running, cycling, football or skiing does not follow one timetable.

Orthopaedic surgeon Domen Stropnik says the answer depends on three factors: which structure was injured, how surgeons repaired it and how the body responds during rehabilitation.

For a torn meniscus, surgeons may stitch the tissue or remove the damaged section. Partial meniscectomy generally allows a return to lighter activities such as running after four to six weeks. Athletes may return to competitive sport after six to eight weeks. Meniscus repair takes longer because the tissue must heal. Running usually resumes after about three months, while football, basketball and skiing may have to wait four to six months. Preserving the meniscus can better protect the joint cartilage from early wear.

ACL reconstruction also demands patience. The graft gradually develops biological strength through ligamentisation, a process that can take about a year. Straight-line running is commonly allowed after three to four months, but training with jumps, pivots and changes of direction is recommended only after nine months. Competitive athletes may need nine to 12 months. Doctors also assess muscle strength, landing stability and control of knee movement, with strength generally expected to reach at least 90 percent of the uninjured leg.