The perioperative management of the arthroscopic patient

This article has described the perioperative management of the arthroscopic patient. As emphasized, preoperative planning requires a precise diagnosis, patient education, and selective procedures. The operative management is sophisticated, exacting, and challenging, as discussed in other articles of this issue. Finally, the postoperative management is specifically directed toward pathology and procedure. Recovery times are variable, and complications are not insignificant and can lead to prolonged patient morbidity and financial loss. It is important to consider patient goals versus reality, patient willingness to opt for acceptable versus optimal results, and if the procedure is necessary versus justified versus contraindicated. If all of these factors are kept in mind by the surgeon and conveyed to the patient, arthroscopic surgery can be extremely rewarding to both.