Post Operative Instructions
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Wound Care
• Do not remove dressing until post-operative day #3.
• You may shower on POD #3. Once the dressing is removed on the 3rd postoperative day, you can get the small incisions/portals wet in the shower - do not submerge in any type of water (bathtub, pool, ocean or hot tub) until 3 weeks after the surgery.
• Mild pink drainage is normal.
Weight Bearing & Swelling
• Weight bearing as tolerated. Crutches are for comfort.
• Elevate and ice aggressively for first 48–72 hours. Try to take it easy for the first 2-3 days after the knee arthroscopy to prevent (more) swelling in the knee.
Pain Control
• 1000 mg Acetaminophen + 600–800 mg Ibuprofen (together –at the same time) 3 times a day with food.
• If needed: 5 mg Oxycodone every 4–6 hours (limit use).
Exercises
Click here for more detailed instructions and images
Straight Leg Raises (Start POD #1)
Goal: 30–50 repetitions at one time. Hold 30 seconds. Progress gradually.
Formal physical therapy for the knee should begin within the first week after the arthroscopy – so if this has not been set up yet –please give our office a call.
Pain Medication
• Take medication as directed. DO NOT wait until pain is severe.
• 1000 mg Tylenol (max 3000 mg/day).
• May add 400–800 mg Ibuprofen if no contraindication.
• If needed, 5 mg oxycodone every 4–6 hours (5–10 mg per dose). Limit use.
Wound Care
• Leave dressing in place for 72 hours.
• Shower on Post-Op Day #3. On POD #3 - (once the dressing is removed) you can get the incision wet (in the shower only) and after the shower -- dry the incision thoroughly and put new dressing or a large Band-Aid on the incision.
• Do NOT submerge shoulder underwater for 3 weeks.
• Please change the dressing to the shoulder incision daily.
• No antibiotic cream required. If you feel compelled to put something on the incisions, you can Put a small amount of Betadine (on the incision) and let dry thoroughly before the (new) dressing is applied.
• REMEMBER TO WASH THOROUGHLY and dry under your arm (armpit) carefully to prevent yeast irritation in this area.
Ice, Sling & Restrictions
• Ice shoulder as much as desired during the first 3–5 days.
• Wear sling most of the day except during exercises. You can also take short breaks out of the sling to use the arm to write, use a computer, or eat.
• Please try to do the exercises twice daily starting on postop day (POD) #1.
• DO NOT lift anything greater than 2 pounds with the operative arm.
Expected Symptoms
• Pain, stiffness and bruising are normal.
• Bruising may extend down the arm or chest.
• Mild drainage for the first 3–4 days is expected.
• Low-grade temperature (first 1–3 days) is normal.
• If temperature >101°F and persists, call office.
Click HERE for Postoperative home exercises - Begin Post-Op Day #1 - the day after surgery.
Pain Medication
• Take medication as directed. DO NOT wait until pain is severe.
• 1000 mg Tylenol (max 3000 mg/day).
• May add 400–800 mg Ibuprofen if no contraindication.
• If needed, 5 mg oxycodone every 4–6 hours (5–10 mg per dose). Limit use.
Wound Care
• Leave dressing in place for 72 hours.
• Shower on Post-Op Day #3. On POD #3 - (once the dressing is removed) you can get the small incision wet (in the shower only) and after the shower -- dry the incisions thoroughly and put Band-Aids on the incision.
• Do NOT submerge shoulder underwater for 3 weeks.
• Please change the Band-Aids to the small shoulder incisions daily.
• No antibiotic cream required. If you feel compelled to put something on the incisions, you can put a small amount of Betadine (on the incisions) and let dry before the Band-Aids are applied.
• REMEMBER TO WASH THOROUGHLY and dry under your arm (armpit) carefully to prevent yeast irritation in this area.
Ice, Sling & Restrictions
• Ice shoulder as much as desired during the first 3–5 days.
• Wear sling most of the day except during exercises. You can also take short breaks out of the sling to use the arm to write, use a computer, or eat.
• Please try to do the exercises twice daily starting on postop day (POD) #1.
• DO NOT lift anything greater than 2 pounds with the operative arm.
Expected Symptoms
• Pain, stiffness and bruising are normal.
• Bruising may extend down the arm or chest.
• Mild drainage for the first 3–4 days is expected.
• Low-grade temperature (first 1–3 days) is normal.
• If temperature >101°F and persists, call office.
Exercise
Click HERE for Postoperative home exercises - Begin Post-Op Day #1 - the day after surgery.
Wound Care
• Please leave the dressing and hinged knee brace (which is locked in extension) in place until your 1st follow-up appointment.
• You may shower on POD #3. Please put a plastic bag or saran wrap around the knee brace to protect it from getting wet. If it does get wet, put a hair dryer on cool and dry the wet areas.
• The incision underneath the dressing is sterile, and the dressing does not need to be changed until the come back to the office for your 1st postoperative appointment.
Weight Bearing & Swelling
• Weight bearing as tolerated on the operative leg with the knee brace on and locked in extension. Crutches are for comfort.
• Elevate and ice aggressively for first 48–72 hours. Even if you feel good after surgery, tried to take it easy for the 1st 2-3 days especially. Elevation is difficult with the knee brace on and if this is not possible, focus on the ice EHL 8 I have ago when shows nice day depth icing of the knee especially for the 1st 48-72 hours.
Pain Control
• 1000 mg Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and 600–800 mg Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) together 3 times a day with food. Unless however, you have a contraindication to take acetaminophen &/or ibuprofen.
• If needed: 5 mg Oxycodone every 4–6 hours (limit use).
Note: Blood clots (in the leg) are very rare after a knee arthroscopy, but to decrease the risk of blood clots after surgery, I would recommend taking aspirin 81 mg (by mouth) twice daily. with food for 6 weeks after surgery. Unless however, you have a contraindication to take aspirin.
Exercises
Straight Leg Raises - Start postoperative day (POD) #1 - the day after surgery.
Click HERE for detailed instructions