What postop procedures must I follow after ACL reconstruction?
Upon awakening in recovery, your knee will be wrapped from the ankle to mid thigh. Either a knee immobilizer or hinged knee brace will have been applied. In some cases, a Cryocuff pad will have been applied around the knee for use in recovery and also at home. This provides continuous cold treatment to the knee diminishing pain. Unless otherwise instructed, you will be allowed full weight bearing with crutches with your brace locked in full extension. Physical therapy, will have been arranged preoperatively and will begin postop day one. Therapy is important to diminish pain and swelling and to improve range of motion and quad and hamstring strength. A Continuous Passive Motion Machine (CPM), will be delivered to your home either pre or postop. Machine should be used at least one hour each morning/afternoon. Increase range as pain allows. The knee is to be kept clean and dry until sutures are removed postop day 7-10. The postop bandage will be changed in physical therapy to a less bulk
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