You can read about Knee Arthroscopy with ACL Reconstruction. Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique that orthopedic surgeons can use to assess and, in most cases, treat a range of diseases of the knee. During the procedure, the orthopedist makes small incisions or portals in the affected joint and then uses a tiny camera and fiber optics to illuminate the interior. Images taken with the camera are then projected onto a screen in the operating suite.
Knee Arthroscopy with ACL Reconstruction
WOUND CARE
- Remove surgical dressings 3 days following your surgery. Please leave the steri-strips covering the surgical site intact.
- After removing the dressings, shower as normal letting soapy water run over the surgical site.
- Do NOT fully submerge your body in water (i.e. in a bath tub or pool).
- A small amount of drainage from the surgical site is common. You may reinforce the affected area with a sterile gauze pad or bandage.
- Swelling in the affected extremity is common. To decrease swelling, elevate the affected extremity above the level of your heart.
ACTIVITY
- You will be given crutches and taught how to use them before you leave the hospital. Use the crutches for assistance with ambulation. You will remain “toe touch” weight bearing.
- You may gently bend and extend your knee on your own.
- Be cautious with ambulating stairs with your crutches.
- To help reduce swelling, elevate the affected extremity several times throughout the day above your heart level, and apply ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off up to 4 times per day.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
- Physical therapy should begin within one week of your surgery. We recommend outpatient therapy for approximately 4-6 months on average, starting with 2-3 times per week. At the 4-8 week mark, you may be able to decrease therapy to 1-2 times per week based on your progress.
- During the first 4 months, your physical therapist will be working on your range of motion and strengthening exercises with a step-wise approach.
- At approximately 6 months from your surgery, it is expected that you should be able to return to sports, running, and high intensity exercises, however, this is patient dependent.
- If you are looking into getting back into a sport more quickly and would like to supplement physical therapy with ACL-specific training at the 4 month mark or later, the TACL program may be recommended through our Sports Performance Team. Please inquire at your orthopedic appointment if you are interested in this program.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
- If you have used a particular pain medicine (Percocet or Vicodin) that has worked well for you in the past, please inform the physician or PA prior to the procedure.
- Take the medication as prescribed. Use the least amount of narcotic pain medication as possible.
- Use Ibuprofen (ex. Advil) 200-800mg three times per day to help with pain and swelling in addition to narcotic pain medicine. (Do not exceed greater than 2400 mg of Ibuprofen daily)
- Call the office if you continue to have uncontrollable pain.
EMERGENCIES
Call the office if you experience: (401-218-6005)
- Numbness in toes
- Pain uncontrolled by pain medicine
- Painful swelling
- Surgical site opens
- Increased redness at surgical site
- Foul drainage
- Fever > 101º F for 24 hours or shaking chills
- Difficulty breathing
