POST OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS MULTI LIGAMENT KNEE RECONSTRUCTION

**Please note that the instructions provided below are general guidelines to be followed; however, any written or verbal instructions provided by Dr. Mead supersede the instructions below and should be followed.

DIET

  • Begin with clear liquids and light foods (jello, soup, etc.)
  • Progress to your normal diet if you are not nauseated

WOUND CARE

  • Maintain your operative dressing, loosen the bandage if swelling of the foot and ankle occurs.
  • It is normal for the kneed to bleed and swell following surgery.  If blood soaks onto the ACE bandage, do not become alarmed, reinforce with additional dressing.
  • To avoid infection, keep surgical incisions clean and dry for the first 7 days following surgery – you may shower by placing a large plastic bag over your brace beginning the day after surgery.  NO immersion of the operative leg 

(i.e.: bath or pool)

  • Wait until your first post-operative appointment to have Dr. Mead’s team remove the surgical dressing.
  • Please do not place any ointments, lotions or creams directly on the incisions.
  • Once the sutures are removed at least 7-10 days post operatively you can begin to get the incision wet in the shower (let water and soap lightly run over the incision and pat dry).  NO immersion in a bath until given approval by our office.

MEDICATIONS

  • Tylenol 1,000mg (Pain reducer): 

Take 2 extra strength capsules/tablets (500mg each) by mouth 3 times per day.

For example: 2 with Breakfast, 2 with Lunch, and 2 with Dinner.

*BEGIN AFTER SURGERY

  • Celebrex 200mg (Anti-inflammatory):

Take 1 capsule/ tablet by mouth 2 times per day. 

For example: 1 with Breakfast and 1 with Dinner

*BEGIN 1 WEEK BEFORE SURGERY

  • Neurontin (Gabapentin) 300mg (Nerve pain):

Take 1 capsule/ tablet by mouth 3 times per day.

For example: 1 with Breakfast, 1 with Lunch, and 1 with Dinner.

*BEGIN NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY

  • Tramadol 50mg (Non-Narcotic pain medication):

Take 1 capsule / tablet by mouth every 4 hours as needed for pain

  • Oxycodone 5mg (Narcotic pain medication):

  Take 1-2 capsule(s)/ tablet(s) by mouth every 4-6 hours AS NEEDED FOR BREAKTHROUGH PAIN.

  • The need for this medication should be very low with the proper use of the other medications listed above. DO NOT DRIVE WHILE TAKING THIS MEDICATION.

ACTIVITY

  • Elevate the operative leg to chest level whenever possible to decrease swelling.
  • Do not place pillows under knees (i.e. do not maintain the knee in a flexed or bent position), but rather place pillows under the foot / ankle.
  • Use crutches to assist with walking – 
  • Do not engage in activities which increase knee pain / swelling (prolonged periods of standing or walking) for the first 7-10 days following surgery.
  • Avoid long periods of sitting (without leg elevated) or long distance traveling for 2 weeks.
  • NO driving until instructed otherwise by the physician.
  • May return to sedentary work ONLY or school 3-4 days after surgery, if pain is tolerable.

BRACE

  • Your brace should be worn at all times (day and night – except for CPM and exercises) until otherwise instructed after the first post-operative visit.

ICE THERAPY

  • Icing is very important in the initial post operative period and should begin immediately after surgery.
  • Use an icing machine continuously or ice packs (if machine not prescribed) for 30-45 minutes every 2 hours daily until your first post-operative visit – remember to keep your leg elevated to the level of your chest while icing.  Care should be taken with icing to avoid frostbite to the skin.
  • You do not need to wake up in the middle of the night to change over the ice machine or ice packs unless you are uncomfortable.

EXERCISE

  • Begin exercises 24 hours after surgery (straight leg raises, quad sets, heel slides and ankle pumps) unless otherwise instructed.
  • Discomfort and knee stiffness are normal for a few days following surgery.
  • Complete exercises 3-4 times daily until your first post-operative visit – your motion goals are to have complete extension (straightening) at your first post-operative appointment unless otherwise instructed.
  • Perform ankle pumps continuously throughout the day to reduce the risk of developing a blood clot in your calf.
  • Formal physical therapy typically begins after you are seen for your initial post-operative appointment following surgery.  A prescription protocol will be provided at your first post op visit.

PROBLEMS / QUESTIONS

If you have any problems or questions about your post op care, please do not hesitate to call our office at (850) 771-2001.  Let the operators know you just had surgery by your doctor and ask to speak with a medical assistant.  If you should need to call after hours, the answering service will get your information and have the on-call physician return your call.  If the matter is urgent, proceed to the emergency room.

Add a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *