Knee arthroscopy - ACL reconstruction.
Keep dressing clean, dry, intact for 3 days, and then may remove. Wound may then get wet in shower only. Pat dry and cover with Band-Aid. Change Band-Aid daily. Do not put any ointments on wound. No soaking (hot tub, bath, or dishes.) Keep steri-strips (white strips) on the skin until they begin to peel off on their own.
You can begin moving your operative leg today in bed. When out of bed please have brace on and locked in extension (0 degrees) Use crutches as needed. Ice as often as possible; 20 minutes at a time. When elevating operative leg, place pillow under heel/ankle NOT the knee.
You have been given a narcotic medication for pain, please take as prescribed. Decrease the amount you take as your pain improves. Drink plenty of water and use a stool softener as it can be constipating. Do not drive, drink alcohol, or operate machinery/appliances while taking this medication. Please take an aspirin once a day for 2 weeks.
First follow up appointment is about 2 weeks after surgery. X-rays will not be needed. You will receive your Physical Therapy prescription at your first follow-up appointment.
Please call your surgeon's office below for follow-up appointment or questions:
Dr Matzkin: 617-525-8500
For emergencies, call 911 if life or limb-threatening. For other questions, call the office during regular business hours. For urgent issues after hours or on weekends, call 617-732-6660 and ask the operator to page the orthopaedic resident on call.
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