Your child needs to rest the knee so that it can heal from surgery. Kids need to wait at least 6–8 weeks before returning to all normal activities.

Meniscectomy is a type of surgery to treat a tear in the meniscus, a disk of cartilage that helps stabilize the knee and acts as a shock absorber between the thighbone (femur) and shinbone (tibia). The surgeon trims away the torn piece so that it doesn't interfere with the function of the knee.

• Give your child any medications as prescribed by the health care provider.
• Follow the health care provider's instructions regarding the removal of surgical dressings.
• Your child should not take a bath, but can start showering on the third day after surgery. Wrap the knee in a plastic bag that is taped shut to keep the leg dry.
• Apply a plastic bag of ice or a cold pack to the injured knee as often as the health care provider instructs. Keep the bandage or a cloth between the ice or cold pack and the skin to prevent frostbite.
• If your child has swelling, numbness, coldness, or tingling in the foot, loosen the bandage around the knee and have your child raise the leg on a pillow to keep it above heart level.
• Your child should do post-operative exercises as instructed by the health care provider.

• Your child may stop using crutches as soon as it's comfortable to do so. This usually takes 3–5 days.
• Teens who drive may do so once OK with the surgeon and no longer taking narcotic pain medication. Braces should be unlocked or removed before driving.

Your child:

• Is unable to urinate (pee) the evening of the surgery.
• Has swelling or numbness in the leg that is not relieved by loosening the bandage and raising the leg.
• Has a lot of fluid or blood draining from the surgical site.
• Has a temperature above 101°F on two readings 2–3 hours apart more than 48 hours after surgery.
• Continues to have severe pain after 48 hours.

Your child:

• Develops chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Develops calf pain.