Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.
Skip to main content

Your Arthroscopic Knee Surgery


 

1. Rest on the day of surgery. You may feel dizzy, light-headed or sleepy, for 12-24 hours after your operation. This is perfectly normal. Move slowly, and be especially careful on stairs. You should not drive or operate any mechanical or electrical devices until this feeling has worn off. After a general anesthetic, it is normal to feel a generalized aching and to have sore muscles for 24-48 hours. A sore throat may also occur.

2. Resume diet gradually. Begin with clear liquids and progress if you are feeling hungry. Most patients become nauseated after taking pain pills, this is a common side effect. You can reduce this by taking your medication with a meal, trying just one tablet, or by splitting tablet in half.

3. Do not drink alcohol or sign any important papers for at least 24 hours.

4. You are responsible for managing your pain after discharge. The pain will be reduced by taking your pain medication on a schedule for the first few days after surgery as prescribed. You should know that a numbing medication is often injected into the joint after surgery . THIS WILL UNFORTUNATELY WEAR OFF SOME TIME WITHIN THE FIRST 24 HOURS. YOU MAY EXPERIENCE A DRAMATIC INCREASE OF PAIN IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY PAIN MEDICATION IN YOUR SYSTEM!!!!!!

5. It is common to have difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position. I recommend trying to sleep with your upper body and head elevated on several pillows, sitting up in a recliner, or propping the head of your mattress up with pillows.

6. Apply ice packs continuously for the first 48 hours, then as needed for comfort. Prepare ahead of your surgery and purchase at least 2 ice gel packs. I believe drug stores sell them for a reasonable price.

7. Report to your doctor any temperature elevations over 101 degrees or persistent nausea and vomiting. Mild temperature elevations are to be expected after surgery.

8. Keep all dressings clean and dry for the first 24 hours.

9. Expect some drainage through the dressing for the first 24 hours. This is completely normal. The drainage is comprised mostly of the saline solution utilized during the procedure.

10. The movement of your shoulder/arm will be based on your individual procedure.

FOLLOW ONLY THOSE ITEMS CHECKED BY YOUR SURGEON ON THE DAY OF SURGERY

  • Keep shoulder immobilizer (sling) on at all times.
  • Keep shoulder immobilizer (sling) on at all times unless you are doing your exercises.
  • Start pendulum exercises with your operative arm, 20 clockwise and 20 counterclockwise hourly, while awake. Work up to 50 rotations each. Refer to the instruction sheet.
  • Discard immobilizer the morning following your surgery. You should use your arm as much as possible.
  • After 24 hours, remove all dressings from the wound site and replace with Band-Aids.
  • Keep your incisions covered and dry until you are seen in clinic.

Location

IASM
3000 California Street, 3rd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94115
Phone: 415-923-0944
Fax: 415-923-5896

Office Hours

Get in touch

415-923-0944