KNEE ARTHROSCOPY
Discharge Instructions
Operation:
Your operation was performed by arthroscopic methods. The interior
of your knee joint was visualized using a small telescope,
and the diagnosis was made. Appropriate surgery involving the
removal or repair of damaged, torn, degenerative or abnormal
tissue was performed using special micro-instruments.
Pain:
Upon discharge, you will be given a prescription for pain medication
that can be filled at either the hospital or a local pharmacy.
The pain medication can be taken every 3 to 4 hours as needed.
The medicine will help decrease the level of pain, but it is
not meant to completely eliminate the pain. Some pain is expected.
If you develop itching, skin rash, nausea or vomiting, please
discontinue the medicine and call the office. Additionally,
narcotics can cause constipation if used for an extended period
of time. If this occurs, you should decrease the use of the
prescribed medicine, and increase fluid, roughage and fruit
intake in your diet. Please do not use Aspirin for 3 days after
surgery unless you have OK’d it with your surgeon.
The use of ice decreases both swelling and pain. You may apply
an ice bag over the knee dressing for two to five days after
surgery unless otherwise instructed. If you were given an ice
water knee wrap, please follow the instructions provided.
Elevate your leg above the level of your heart while at rest.
This will help decrease swelling, and secondarily decrease
pain. Leg elevation and frequent ankle motion will also decrease
the
rare chance of phlebitis (blood clots in the calf). If calf
pain, tenderness or swelling develop contact your surgeon.
Dressings:
Your surgery was performed arthroscopically, and therefore you
may notice pink fluid soaking your dressing for the first several
hours after surgery. This is not unusual and should stop soon
after you get home. Your incisions have been closed with suture
or skin tape, covered with gauze pads and held in place with
an Ace wrap or Tubigrip stocking. Please remove the dressing
in 24 hours, but leave the suture or skin tape intact—the
skin tape will fall off on its own in 7-10 days. You may cover
the incision sites with Bandaids or gauze dressings and reapply
the compressive wrap to aid in swelling reduction. Do this
each day until the swelling is gone.
Wounds:
The small incisions may be sore and you may develop bruising
in the area of the surgery as well as down your leg over the
next several days. This will go away, and no special care is
needed. If your wounds become painful, red, hot or of concern
for infection, please contact your surgeon.
Bathing:
It is safe to shower or bathe 72 hours after surgery. You may
wash the incisions with regular soap and water, dry them, and
cover them with new Bandaids. Do not remove the sutures or
skin tapes. You should not soak your knee under water for at
least one week, and should avoid hot tubs or pools for two
weeks.
Activity:
You should rest, relax and make arrangements to have someone
stay with you for at least 24 hours after discharge. Do not
drive any vehicle or operate mechanical equipment the day of
your surgery. Even though you
feel normal, your reaction time may be affected by the medication
you have received. You may resume normal daily activities, return
to work and school, and drive a car as tolerated the day after
surgery, unless otherwise instructed. Crutches are often required
after surgery to ease mobilization. You may discontinue the crutches
as your pain and strength improve and when you can walk without
a limp, unless otherwise instructed. If more extensive surgery
was undertaken, special instructions will be provided, including
prolonged immobilization and/or protected weight-bearing.
Diet:
Drink clear liquids (apple juice, ginger ale, broth, 7-Up, etc.).
Progress to your regular diet as you feel able. Do not drink
alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours following your surgery.
If you become nauseated, wait one-half hour and then begin
taking water, 7-Up or apple juice in small amounts.
Precautions:
If you develop a fever (temperature over 101°), unexpected or
severe pain, redness, or swelling, please contact the office
for consultation or examination. Occasionally, there is minor
swelling of the foot. This can usually be relieved by elevation
of the leg, and loosely reapplying a compressive wrap (Ace
wrap) around the knee region. If you develop pain, tenderness,
warmth, or swelling in your calf, please contact the office
immediately.
Follow-up:
At the time of your preoperative visit, you should have scheduled
an appointment for physical therapy. Your home therapy program
can begin the day after your surgery. An appointment to see
your Surgeon or Nurse Practitioner will be made for one to
two weeks following your surgery to check your wounds and discuss
your surgery. Probably the most important thing to remember
about your knee surgery is that the post-operative rehabilitation
is as important as the surgery. Your surgeon and therapists
will monitor your rehab program, and if you have any questions
or concerns, please feel free to discuss the situation with
either of them.
Emergency Calls:
If you have a problem of an emergency nature and are unable to
reach your doctor, call or come to Altru Hospital Emergency
Room (phone: 701-780-5280); or your nearest hospital or emergency
facility.
Special Instructions:
CONTACT YOUR PHYSICIAN (OR HIS ALTERNATE) IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS:
- Fever greater than 101 degrees orally or if at all questionable.
- Chills
- Excessive bleeding
- Separation of the incision
- Excessive swelling
or tenderness
- Unusual drainage: pus-like drainage
(white, yellow, or greenish in color); any excessive drainage
from the area; foul odor from the incision or dressing.
- Change in color around the area; excessive redness may indicate
infection
- Change in temperature around the
area: unusual warmth
- Increased pain in operative
area
|
