Postoperative Instructions: Knee Arthroscopy with Debridement/Partial Meniscectomy

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Mobility and Support

  • Crutches/Walker Usage: You may use crutches or a walker immediately after surgery for support and balance. Weight bearing is allowed as tolerated immediately post-surgery.
  • Activity Recommendations: Engage in light activities such as sitting up, standing, and short walks regularly to help prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms. Avoid strenuous activities.

Icing and Elevation

  • Procedure: Intermittently ice and elevate the joint for 30 minutes every 3 hours during the first few days post-surgery to help reduce swelling and pain.
  • Elevation Tips: Ensure the affected heel is higher than the shoulder or chest for proper elevation.

Dressing Care

  • Initial Care: Keep the surgical dressing intact until your follow-up appointment.
  • Dressing Removal: You can remove the waterproof Silverr Mepilex dressings one week post-surgery without replacement.
  • Stitches and Staples: There are no stitches or staples needing removal. The deeper layers, including skin glue or Steri-Strips, will resolve or fall off on their own.

Pain Management

  • Medication Regimen: Begin with Tylenol, Naprosyn, and Aspirin as directed immediately after surgery. Oxycodone may be used as needed for residual pain.
  • Medication Schedule:
    • Tylenol: 1 gram every 8 hours.
    • Naprosyn: 500 mg twice daily.
    • Aspirin: 81 mg twice daily, starting the evening post-surgery.
    • Oxycodone: As needed every 4-8 hours, with dosage adjustments as recovery progresses.

Postoperative Rehabilitation

  • Physical Therapy: Start formal physical therapy and a home exercise program within 10-14 days post-surgery. Follow the Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard physical therapy program guidelines available online.

General Advice

  • Alerts: Contact your physician if you have concerns about allergy or gastrointestinal issues related to Naprosyn; alternatives like Celebrex may be used.

Q: How soon can I walk after knee arthroscopy?
A:
You may use crutches or a walker for balance and support immediately after surgery and bear weight as tolerated.

Q: What should I do to manage swelling after surgery?
A:
Ice and elevate the operated leg for 30 minutes every three hours for the first few days to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Q: When can I remove the post-operative dressings?
A:
Waterproof dressings can be removed one week post-surgery. Deeper layers like skin glue or Steri-Strips will resolve or fall off on their own.

Q: What is the pain management regimen after knee arthroscopy?
A:
Start with Tylenol, Naprosyn, and Aspirin as prescribed. If needed, Oxycodone can be used for additional pain relief.

Q: When should I start physical therapy after knee arthroscopy?
A:
It is recommended to begin formal physical therapy and a home exercise program within 10-14 days following surgery.