Dr. Browdy’s Knee Arthroscopy Instructions
You have just had knee arthroscopy. Following these guidelines should give you the best chance for a quick recovery.
| Diet: | Advance to solid food as tolerated. |
| Bandages: | In 48 hours, you may remove your dressings and place small band-aids over the incision sites. You will leave the surgery center with a thigh high compression hose on each leg. Please continue to use these for two weeks after surgery to prevent blood clots. You may remove them for an hour or so several times a day. After two weeks have passed, you do not need to continue using the compression hose, but you may chose to use one on the operative leg, as the compression hose is an excellent way to keep swelling down. |
| Bathing/Shower: | Please avoid getting the incisions wet for five days after the time of your surgery. After five days, you may shower, getting the incisions wet, but please do not submerge the incisions under water in a bath tub, hot tub or pool until Dr. Browdy gives permission to do so. If you wish to take a shower prior to five days after surgery, you may do so, but please use water-proof band-aids over the incisions. |
| Activity: | Unless specifically told otherwise by Dr. Browdy, you may bear weight on your operative leg immediately. Generally speaking, it is best to keep your activities "bland" for the first week after surgery. It is a good idea to get up and move around frequently around your home to prevent blood clots. However, whenever you happen to be sitting or lying down, please elevate your leg as high as tolerated to minimize swelling and throbbing. At your first office visit, Dr. Browdy will discuss a gradual return to activities. |
| Medications: | Dr. Browdy will prescribe an analgesic medicine to be used after surgery. Occasionally, pain medicine can cause nausea and/or constipation. You will be given a prescription for anti-nausea medicine. You do not need to fill this prescription, but keep it handy in the event you need it. |
| Comfort Measures: | In addition to pain medication, you can use ice. Ice is an excellent way to diminish pain and swelling after surgery. You can apply it to the shoulder for 15-20 minutes at a time. |
| Problems: | Your knee may have swelling and soreness for the first several days. This is to be expected. Please contact Dr. Browdy's office if you have any of the following:
Please call us if you have any questions. |
| Appointments: | You will need to see Dr. Browdy for a follow-up appointment 7-10 days after surgery. Please call the office to make this appointment. At this first appointment physical therapy will likely be prescribed. |
| Phone Numbers: | Advanced Orthopedics of Clayton: 314-721-7325 |
| Medication Refill Policy: | It is the policy of Advanced Orthopedics that narcotic medications will only be refilled during office hours. |
