Patellar arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to examine the inside of your knee -- the patella -- as well as make small repairs to damaged ligaments and cartilage. Arthroscopic knee surgery is a minor procedure with a brief recovery period. To decrease your recovery time, improve strength and increase range of motion, your doctor may prescribe a series of exercises. Perform exercises only at the discretion of your doctor or physical therapist.
Straight Leg Raises
Straight leg raises are designed to increase your strength following patellar arthroscopy. Lie on a firm surface, such as the floor. Position your healthy leg with your knee bent and your foot flat on the floor; your toes should be facing forward. Your affected leg should be extended -- as far as you can comfortably extend it -- with your heel on the ground and your toes pointing toward the ceiling. Slowly raise your affected leg off the ground while keeping your knee straight. Try to raise your leg off the ground approximately one foot. Hold this position for a count of two seconds. Relax and repeat 10 times.
Quad Sets
Quad sets can help to strengthen your quadriceps, the muscle located in the front of your thigh. Your quads help to support your knee. Lie on your back on a firm surface with your legs extended as far as you can possibly extend them. Your heels should be touching the ground with your toes pointing toward the ceiling. Squeeze or tighten the thigh muscle of your affected leg as much as you possibly can; this should cause your heel to raise up off the ground. Hold this position for a count of five seconds. Relax and repeat this exercise five times.
Wall Squats
Wall squats help to improve strength and range of motion in your affected knee. Stand with your head, hips and back flat against a wall. Position your feet so they are a hips-width apart and approximately two feet away from the walls. Slowly slide down the wall until you are in a near-seated position. Squat as far as you comfortably can without exceeding a 90-degree angle. You should feel a stretch in the front of your thighs. Hold this position for a count of five to 10 seconds. Slowly slide back up the wall to the starting position and repeat. Complete wall squats 10 times.
Seated Hamstring Stretch
Your hamstrings are the muscles located in the back portion of your thigh and behind your knees. A hamstring stretch can help to improve strength and flexibility in your affected knee. Sit up straight on the floor with both of your legs extended in front of you. Your heels should be touching the ground with your toes pointing in the direction of the ceiling. Place your hands palm side down on the ground beside your thighs. Slowly slide your hands down toward your ankles; do this by keeping your back straight and reaching from your hips. You will feel a stretch behind your knee and in the back of your thigh. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Relax and repeat fives times.
