Post-Operative Instructions for Knee Arthroscopy: Meniscectomy, ACL Reconstruction

 

General care

• Remove dressing on post-operative day (POD) 1.
• Do not remove butterfly strips (“steri-strips”) from skin.

Showering

• You may shower on POD 1.
• Replace dressing only as needed with gauze dressing or BAND-AIDS.

Weight-bearing

• Most procedures allow weight bearing as tolerated, except meniscal repair. Please check with your doctor if you have any questions.

Controlling discomfort after surgery

• Cryotherapy or ice.
• Pain medication taken every 3-4 hours as needed.
• Use of NSAIDs (Advil) in combination with narcotic pain meds.
• Sleep with pillow under heel (ACL reconstruction).

Brace

• Routinely used in ACL reconstruction only (approx. 4 weeks).
• Keep brace locked in full extension (straight) until directed otherwise.

Crutches

• Usually only necessary for first few days after routine arthroscopy.
• ACL reconstruction – typically necessary for approx. 2-3 weeks.

Physical therapy

• Your physician will guide your post-operative therapy dependent on your procedure. Please discuss with your physician preoperatively.

Post-operative office visit

• Please make sure you know when your physician would like to see you post-operatively. Your first post-op visit can usually be scheduled at the same time you schedule your operative date.

Driving

• Not allowed while on narcotics or if brace is necessary.