Knee Arthroscopy - Post Operative Instructions

Bandage

Following surgery your leg will be bandaged. Please keep it dry. It is not uncommon for the bandage to become spotted with a small amount of blood. The bandage may be removed 3-4 days after surgery and replaced with a tubigrip. 2-3 small puncture wounds will be covered with sticky-strips and dressing. Try and keep these dry until reviewed.

Painkillers

(eg. Panadeine or Panadeine Forte 1-2 tabs 4-6 hourly) are usually required for the first week or so.

A large ice bag applied to the knee (not directly on skin!) for 30 minutes 4-6 times per day for the 1st 2-3 days will help reduce swelling and pain. Elevation of the leg over this time period will also help.

Activity

Resting with leg elevated for the first 2-3 days is recommended. You may place as much weight on the leg as is comfortable, unless otherwise instructed. Crutches may be needed initially, but can be discontinued once you are walking comfortably.

Motion

You may bend and straighten the leg within pain tolerance. Simple quadriceps and range of motion exercises are detailed below. An exercise bike on low resistance may be used after 5 days. Pain and swelling brought on by exercise should be treated with rest, ice, compression, elevation and painkillers. Ankle movements should commence immediately to help circulation in the leg.

Driving

• Do not drive under the influence of pain medication. You should not drive until reviewed by your surgeon.

Work

You may return to work as soon as your pain is tolerable. To some degree, return to work depends upon what was found and the surgery performed. Generally, if a job does not require prolonged standing and walking, you may return within a week. However, if your job requires prolonged standing or walking, it may be up to 2-4 weeks before you are able to return to work.

Sport

No running or impact sport until after your first review. You will be guided from there.

Follow up Visit

This has been made for you at the time of booking your surgery and is detailed on the sheet attached to the booking information you have been sent.

Questions

Should you have any problems or urgent questions about your procedure, please contact Christos Kondiogiannis on 9415 9272.

Exercises

• Straight Leg Raise

  · Bring Ankle Up
  · Lock Knee Straight
  · Lift Whole Leg from the Hip
  · Hold for 5-10 seconds

3-5 Sets of 10 per day

• Free Range Quads
  

  · Towel Roll under Knee
  · Lift Foot from Floor
  · Hold for 5-10 seconds

3-5 Sets of 10 per day

• Hamstring Exercise
  

  · Sitting Position
  · Let Knee Bend
  · Pull Heel Back
  · Hold for 5-10 seconds

3-5 Sets of 10 per day

• Prone Flexion
  

  · Lie Face Down
  · Start With Leg Straight
  · Bring Heel To Buttock
  · Hold for 5-10 seconds

3-5 Sets of 10 per day

• Knee Extension
  

  · Place Heel on Support
  · Use Muscles & Hand To Push Knee Straight
  · Hold for 5-10 seconds

3-5 Sets of 10 per day

• Ankle Exercise
  

  · Regular Ankle Movement
  · Move Up & Down