Diet:
- Begin with clear liquids and lighter foods (Jello, soups, etc.)
- May progress to general diet as tolerated
Wound Care:
- All bandages should be left in place for the first 24 hours following surgery unless otherwise specified. Dressings will be changed by your physical therapist post-op day one. They will place waterproof bandages over the white paper tapes (steri-strips) these are to be left in place and will be changed by your therapist at each visit. To avoid infection keep incisions clean and dry- you may shower by placing plastic-wrap around the knee and water-proof bandages (we have found that Press-n-seal works best)
- It is normal for the knee to bleed and swell following surgery- if blood soaks onto the bandages, do not be alarmed-reinforce with additional dressings
- Do not take baths, swim or sit in a hot tub/Jacuzzi. Immersion of the surgical site is to be avoided
Pain medication, Pain control, Ice Therapy:
- Pain medication is injected into the wound and knee during surgery- this will wear off within 8-12 hours after surgery. Therefore, you will have little pain the day of surgery. Post-op days two and three you will swell and pain will increase. Most patients will require some narcotic pain medication for a short period of time- this will be provided to you and can be taken as per directions on the bottle. Common side effects include; nausea, drowsiness and constipation- to decrease the side effects, take medication with food. If constipation occurs, consider taking over the counter laxatives. Do not drive or operate machinery while taking pain medication.
- Most patients will require some narcotic pain medication for a short period of time- this will be provided to you and can be taken as per directions on the bottle
- Ibuprofen 200-400mg (ie. Advil) may be used between narcotic pain medication to help smooth out post operative peaks and valleys, reduce overall narcotic pain medication use, and decrease in frequency of narcotic pain medicine usage.
- Ice Therapy is used to