A meniscal repair has been performed on your knee. Your doctor will further discuss this with you at your post-operative appointment. Included in this form are many helpful suggestions for your immediate postoperative course.
• STRAIGHTEN YOUR KNEE: Each and every day you should attempt to straighten your leg fully. This should be performed three to four times per day with quadriceps contraction making sure your knee is as straight as possible. Put ankle on roll of towels or a pillow, and gently push the knee straight until it is flat on the bed. Avoid keeping pillows under the knee. Also work on straight leg raises (SLR) in the brace. Although initially, you may be unable to perform the SLR, keep trying until a goal of 3 sets of 10 is achieved.
• RANGE OF MOTION: You may bend your knee up to 90 degrees. Do not force your knee back to bend it more – this will compromise the repair.
• PHYSICAL THERAPY: You should see the therapist after your first postoperative visit – about 2 weeks from surgery. A prescription will be provided.
• FOLLOW-UP: A follow-up visit should be scheduled with the doctor 5-7 days after your surgery. The office should have made one for you. If not, please call (541)754-1276.
• ICE: Ice your knee several times a day (6-8) for 20 minutes at a time.
• BRACE: You will be given a brace. Your brace should be used at all times. You may remove while sitting, showering. You should use the brace until the doctor tells you otherwise. While up and about, you should have this on at all time. When you are sleeping or in bed, you should have this brace on at all times (for the first week or two).
• CRUTCHES: Use both crutches – you are not allowed to place weight on your operative leg until for four weeks. After 4 weeks you can place 50% of your body weight on your operative leg. You will have 6 weeks of weight restriction. This is because of your meniscal repair.
• SHOWERING: You may shower, not bathe, three days after surgery. Remove your dressing, warm soapy water over sutures and knee. Replace ACE wrap or cover nylon sutures with bandaids. Replace brace after showering.
• Please call or text Dr. Passanise with questions – 314-374-7781
• Narcotics cause constipation – please take a stool softener and stay hydrated
