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Showering

You may shower 48 hours after surgery.  Please use CAUTION!!  Be careful not to slip and fall.  The effects of anesthesia and/or medication may make you drowsy or light-headed. If you have steri-strips (white paper strips) on your knee, these have to remain dry. Do not soak in a bathtub, hot tub, or pool until the doctor tells you it is O.K. to do so. Once you are done showering pat the wound dry and apply a Band-Aid.

Dressing

Remove all cotton and yellow gauze 48 hours after your surgery. You do not need to put a new dressing on your wound; place Band-aids over them.

Cane

You may use a cane as needed for walking.  Remember the cane goes in the opposite hand.   Most people use it for 2-3 days following surgery.

Ice and Elevation

You can ice the knee to reduce swelling and discomfort.  Do not ice the knee more than 20 minutes at a time.  Let the knee warm up before reapplication.  Avoid getting your wound wet.   If you have a Gameready/cryocuff you may keep this on as instructed by the manufacturer.  When you are not walking your leg should be straight with a pillow under your foot or ankle (not behind your knee).  Try to elevate knee as much as possible to reduce swelling.

Follow-up visit

You need to see the doctor about one week following surgery for your first post-op visit.  At that time your sutures (stitches) will be removed.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy usually begins one week following surgery.  You will receive a prescription for therapy during your first post-op visit.

Common Concerns

Bruising and/or swelling of the knee, ankle, or foot are common after surgery. To relieve this discomfort it is best to ice the knee.

Please call if:

  1. If at any time you have discomfort, swelling, or redness in the calf (behind the leg between the knee and the ankle) please call the doctor immediately.
  2. Any oozing or redness of the wound, fevers (>101.3 degrees F), or chills.
  3. Any difficulty breathing or heaviness in the chest.

REMEMBER - These are only guidelines for what to expect following arthroscopic knee surgery. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to call the office.

Postoperative Instructions

Click here to download Printable Version of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery