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Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
- Upon discharge from the hospital, you may be up with your crutches for short periods of time, about 20-30 minutes. You may place as much weight/no weight on your surgical leg as is comfortable for you. Please use your crutches until otherwise instructed by your doctor.
- Your knee may swell after surgery. To reduce swelling and discomfort, elevate your surgical leg on 1-2 pillows (higher than your heart). Use an ice bag on your knee for the first 72 hours, then continue to use the ice if it makes you more comfortable or you notice your knee is swollen.
- You may take
off your knee dressing within 48 hours after surgery. Leave the
white tapes that are secured over your incisions on at all times.
Keep your incisions clean, dry and covered with Band-Aids. You
may shower after taking off the dressing
(in 48 hours). You may not bathe, jacuzzi or soak your knee until cleared by your doctor. - Pain medication has been prescribed for you. If you are having only minor discomfort, you may find that plain Tylenol will relieve your symptoms. Please be aware that most pain medications can be constipating, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids.
- The physical therapist will instruct you on the proper way to use your crutches. An exercise program will also be outlined for you. Start the exercises on the day of surgery, at a slow pace, and try to increase them daily.
- If you develop a fever (above 101 degrees), increase in pain or acute tenderness in the thigh or calf, please contact the nurse at (509) 466-6393.
