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.