What postop protocol should I follow after knee arthroscopy, menisectomy and debridement?
Upon hospital discharge the knee will be wrapped with an Ace bandage. Beneath the Ace bandage will be either Band-Aids or 4×4 dressings. Once at home, begin icing of the knee 20 minutes on/20 minutes off until bedtime. Take pain medication before pain becomes severe. If the Ace bandage feels tight, it may be removed and re-wrapped more loosely. The bandaids or dressings can be changed by you if soiled. You may weight bear to tolerance using crutches unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon. Swelling and incision site discomfort is expected. This resolves in the first several weeks. Postop physical therapy will help in diminishing swelling and pain and restoring range of motion and strength. On postop day 3, if the suture sites are clean and dry, you may shower getting the sutures wet. Dry the suture sites carefully and recover with a Band-Aid. Postoperative visits are scheduled 7-10 days following procedure for suture removal. Warning: Please call this office immediately if you expe
