Postoperative Instructions for Arthroscopy (Non-ACL)

Your operation was performed through two or three small incisions. The interior of your joint was visualized with a small telescopic device. Either a repair or removal of the meniscus cartilage if appropriate was performed. You may experience fluid or swelling in the joint. This is usually due to fluid used during your surgery or bleeding into the joint. This fluid is usually reabsorbed by your body over time. If it is significantly painful, this fluid may be removed at the time of your first postoperative appointment.

Dressing: There is a soft compression dressing around your knee. This dressing should feel comfortable and will absorb any drainage from your knee. The dressing may become moist from blood or arthroscopic fluid; this is not a cause for alarm. If the area in question is exceptionally large or continues to bleed, please call the office. Your physician or physician assistant will give you specific instructions concerning your dressing. You can remove the dressing three days after surgery. You may use Band-Aids to cover the incisions.

Cryo/Cuff®: The Cryo/Cuff® is worn for the first 3 days. Wear the cuff for 3 hours and take it off for 2-hour intervals. Change the water in the Cryo/Cuff® hourly. You may remove the Ace wrap on your lower leg when the Cryo/Cuff® is off. Rewrap the Ace when you reapply your Cryo/Cuff®. The Cryo/Cuff® is yours to keep. Cryo/Cuff® instructions.

Wounds: There may be small stitches in the incisions. The incisions may be sore and may bruise. Keep the incisions clean and treat them like any small cut in the skin. If you have Steri-Strips over the incisions, leave them on until instructed to remove them.

Activity: Crutches or a cane may be necessary during the first 24-48 hours days or longer following surgery until you are able to walk without limping. To relieve pain and reduce swelling, keep your leg elevated above your heart. Do ankle range of motion frequently. Use your crutches, and put as much as weight as is comfortable on the operative leg. Do not run, jog, or engage in any sports activities until you receive permission and instructions from the physician or physician assistant.

Bathing: Do not get your operative site wet for 3 days after the date of surgery unless permitted by your physician. At that point you may shower but don't bathe or swim until two weeks after surgery.

Pain: Upon discharge from the Orthopedic Surgery Center you should have a prescription for pain medication. Please take the pain medication with food. Follow the guidelines in the pain management protocol for using your medication or as directed by your physician. Do not drink alcoholic beverages or drive if your are using pain medications.