PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS COMPLETELY AND WHEN POSSIBLE ASK FOR CLARIFICATION IF FROM YOUR NURSE OR DOCTOR BEFORE LEAVING THE HOSPITAL.
*PLEASE DO NOT EAT ANYTHING AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT PRIOR TO SURGERY.
OK to drink clear fluids up to 2 hours prior to surgery:
- Gatorade (recommended)
- Apple juice
- Black coffee (no creamer/or milk)
- Tea
Day of Surgery
- Prior to beginning the operation the anesthesiologist may give you a nerve block (in addition to your general anesthesia) to help decrease the post-operative pain. This pain block typically lasts 12-24 hours after surgery.
- It is important to take your oral post-operative home pain medications prior to the block wearing off. Please understand that it is normal to often experience more pain in the middle of the night or the following day, as this is the expected course of the nerve block wearing off.
- It is recommended that you “stay ahead” of the pain, and take a pain medication tablet when you get home and/or prior to going to bed.
Outpatient or Hospital Stay
Most patients feel comfortable to go home the day of surgery. Majority of patients are able to be discharged home after a couple of hours in the recovery room. Few patients will be admitted to the hospital for 1 night for post-operative care.
Brace
- Applied in the operating room.
- Wear at all times for the first 6 weeks (including during sleep and showering).
- May remove only for range of motion (ROM) exercises and short seated breaks.
ROM exercises
- Start Post-op Day 1, 4–5 times per day, 15–20 min per session.
- Goal: Full extension and 90° flexion by 2 weeks. Extension is most important early.
- May be refitted for a new brace at 2 weeks if needed.
Weight Bearing / Crutches
- Strictly non-weight bearing for 6 weeks to allow osteotomy healing.
- Use crutches at all times.
- At 7–8 weeks, gradual weaning from crutches may begin under guidance.
Stockings & Blood Clot Prevention
- TED hose stockings are applied in surgery to reduce swelling and clot risk.
- Wear until 2-week follow-up. Wash as needed, do not put in dryer.
- Signs of clot: calf pain, redness, swelling, hardness behind knee. Notify office if present.
- Ankle pumps throughout the day help circulation.
- Aspirin (ASA) 182 mg daily for 4 weeks unless otherwise instructed.
Medications
- Percocet 10/325 mg (narcotic): 1–2 tabs q6h PRN (usually 1–2 weeks only).
- Mobic 15 mg (NSAID): 1 tab q12h × 2 weeks.
- Colace 100 mg (stool softener): 1 tab 2–3x/day while on narcotics.
- Zofran 4 mg (anti-nausea): 1 tab q6h PRN.
- ASA (aspirin) for DVT prophylaxis (as above)
Wound Care
- Mild drainage for 24–36 hrs is normal.
- Change gauze daily or if wet/soiled.
- At 3 days, remove bulky dressings; cover incisions with small band-aids.
- Leave steri-strips intact.
- No ointments, peroxide, or betadine.
- Sutures/tags will be removed at 2-week visit.
Swelling & Pain Control
- Swelling often increases days 1–3, then gradually improves.
- Use ice/cold therapy, NSAIDs, and elevation (ankle on pillow, knee straight).
- Avoid prolonged sitting with foot dependent. Keep leg above heart when resting.
- Numbness near incision may last months.
- Low-grade fever (<100.5°F) for 48 hrs is common; report higher fevers.
- Bathing May shower with brace on, covered by waterproof bag, starting Post-op Day 2.
- Keep wounds dry until cleared (7–10 days).
- At 2 weeks, may shower without brace if incisions closed.
- No hot tubs, pools, or ocean for 4 weeks.
Physical Therapy
- ROM and home exercise program begin Post-op Day 1.
- Outpatient PT typically begins at 2 weeks post-op.
Driving
- Left knee, automatic transmission: may drive ~2 weeks if off narcotics.
- Left knee, manual transmission: ~3–4 weeks when leg strength allows.
- Right knee surgery: delay until good muscular control, typically 4–5 weeks.
*Do not drive while on narcotics.
Return to Work
- Sedentary work/school: typically 5–10 days.
- Physically demanding work (police, fire, construction, labor): 6–12 weeks minimum.
- Rest & Recovery Rest is essential. Do not overexert early.
- Focus on ice, elevation, and ROM.
- Gradually increase activity as pain/swelling permits.
Follow-Up
- First visit at 2 weeks for wound check and suture removal.
- X-rays to monitor osteotomy healing are scheduled per surgeon protocol.
- When to Call the Office Fever >100.5°F
- Severe calf pain/swelling/redness (rule out blood clot)
- Increasing drainage or redness around incision
- Shortness of breath or chest pain (call 911 immediately)
*IF YOU HAVE ANY ADVERSE EFFECTS WITH THE MEDICATIONS or QUESTIONS:
PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE during clinic hours at 855-892-0919
Medically reviewed by Reza Jazayeri, M.D. on
