Crutches
Use your crutches for at least the first week, until your follow-up appointment. You may partially bear weight on your operative limb as your comfort allows. (If you have had a meniscus repair, you should remain non-weight bearing and not flex your knee past 90 degrees for the first four weeks.)
Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) Machine
When you go home from the hospital, you should take your leg out of the brace and get on your continuous passive motion machine (CPM). The first day, start out at 0 to 50 or 60 degrees of flexion. Increase your flexion 10 degrees a day to 90 degrees until your first post-operative visit. (If you have had a meniscus repair, you should remain non-weight bearing and not flex your knee past 90 degrees for the first four weeks). Use your CPM 8 to 12 hours per day.
"Ice Man"/Cryotherapy
You have been given an Ice Man to keep your knee cold to decrease swelling and discomfort after your surgery. The Ice Man paddles are to be connected to the ice chest and set for 45 degrees. You should use the Ice Man continuously for the first two or three days and then at least six to eight hours a day for the first week. Do not put the Ice Man pads directly on your skin. They should be placed over a light dressing.
Post Operative Brace
Your post operative brace has hinges on it. For the first week, the brace should be locked in extension. After you see your doctor for your first follow-up visit, he may instruct you to unlock the brace to a certain degree of flexion. In general, keep the brace locked for the first week. You should wear your brace while you sleep.
Bathing
For the first week, do not get the dressing wet in a shower or a bath. If you can cover it with a plastic bag, you may shower. Otherwise, it would be best to sponge bathe.
Dressings
On the second post-operative day, you can unwrap the Ace bandage and the cotton bandages. Take everything off down to the incision itself. Do not remove any "Steri-strips" (butterfly-type dressings) that may be on the incisions. You can place a clean gauze dressing over the incision, wrap it loosely with an Ace wrap, and change it every day or two until you see your doctor for the first follow-up visit.
Infection
It is important that you notify us of any of the following symptoms of infection that may occur. If you develop fever greater than 101°, chills, nausea or vomiting, or if you notice any severe redness or pus draining from your incision, call your doctor immediately.
Walking
You may ambulate (walk) with crutches and your brace as your comfort level allows.
Exercise
You may continue any exercises the physical therapist at the hospital taught you as far as range of motion and work with your quadriceps.
Diet
You may eat a regular diet as soon as you are hungry and able to take solid food after the surgery. Continue to drink plenty of fluids.
Follow-Up Appointment
You should call the office at the numbers below 24 hours after you get home from the hospital to make your first follow-up appointment. If your surgery was performed by Dr. Matz, your follow-up visit should be within 7 to 10 days after your surgery.
| Owings Mills |
(410) 484-8088 |
| Westminster |
(410) 876-8077 |
| Eldersburg |
(410) 549-5780 |
Medications
You will be given a prescription for pain medication. You are encouraged to use the pain medicine on an "as needed" basis over the first few days. If you get to the point that you are able to manage with over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or Advil, you may use them in lieu of your prescribed pain medications.
Blood Clots
Some discomfort in the lower leg is expected. Should you develop constant and/or worsening pain in your calf, or severe swelling in your foot or ankle associated with the calf pain, you should call your doctor. While these symptoms are common, if they are severe and persistent they can be an indication of a blood clot.
