Knee Ligament Repair Recovery
What happens after a knee ligament repair?
After the surgery you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Your recovery process will vary depending on the type of anesthesia that is given. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be taken to your hospital room or discharged to your home. Knee ligament repair is usually done on an outpatient basis.
You may be given crutches and a knee immobilizer before you go home.
Once you are home, it is important to keep the surgical area clean and dry. Your healthcare provider will give you specific bathing instructions. The stitches or surgical staples will be removed during a follow-up office visit.
Take a pain reliever for soreness as recommended by your healthcare provider. Aspirin or certain other pain medicines may increase the chance of bleeding. Be sure to take only recommended medicines.
To help reduce swelling, you may be asked to elevate your leg and apply an ice bag to the knee several times per day for the first few days. Your healthcare provider will arrange for an exercise program to help you regain muscle strength, stability, and range of motion.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following:
. Fever or chills
. Redness, swelling, bleeding, or other drainage from the incision site
. Increased pain around the incision site
. Numbness or tingling in the leg
. Calf swelling or tenderness
You may resume your normal diet unless your healthcare provider advises you differently.
Because of the limited mobility, it may be difficult for a few weeks to resume your normal daily activities. You may need someone at home to assist you. You should not drive until your healthcare provider tells you to. Other activity restrictions may apply. Full recovery from the surgery and rehabilitation may take several months.
Your healthcare provider may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.
Post-surgery Instructions
. Bandages
The bandage applied to your incisions may become moist or bloodstained; however this is normal and results from fluid placed in the joint during surgery. If your bandage becomes saturated with bright red blood, please call the office. Keep the bandages dry when bathing (“sponge bathing” is the simplest and easiest). Keep the bandages in place until you are seen in the office for your first postoperative visit, where you will receive instructions regarding further bandages and wraps, as well as showering or bathing.
. Activity
For the first few days after surgery, you will want to limit your activities and rest your leg. Keep your leg elevated, with a pillow under your calf, and use the cold therapy device/ice packs to minimize swelling and pain. Use the CPM (continuous motion machine) for at least 2-3 hours a session, three times daily (more if you like.) Be sure to spend at least 6 hours out of each 24-hour day with your knee fully extended in the brace (this is easiest to do while sleeping).
When applying the straight leg brace, be sure to have your knee as straight as possible. When standing up or walking, use the crutches provided and have the straight leg brace applied to your leg. With the brace supporting your knee, you may bear as much weight on your foot as tolerated (unless instructed otherwise). There may be a sensation of splashing of fluid within your joint, but this is normal and should not cause concern.
. Pain control
You will find that your knee is swollen and uncomfortable for the first few days after surgery. To reduce this, use the cold therapy device/ice packs and elevate the joint as instructed. You have also been provided with medication for pain relief. Use it as instructed and take it with food to avoid stomach upset. If the medication provided is inadequate, or if you are about to run out, please call the office during daily office hours.
During your post-operative recovery, please keep track of how much pain medication you have remaining to ensure that you have sufficient medication for any upcoming weekends or holidays, as prescriptions are difficult to renew on weekends. You may also take ibuprofen as directed, which can be obtained over the counter.
. Precautions
If you develop a fever of 101 degrees or greater, if the pain you feel is much greater than expected, or if you develop severe redness or swelling, please call the office. Some calf and ankle/foot swelling occurs in all cases, but it can become severe. If you develop a reaction to the pain medication provided, stop taking it and call the office. Avoid direct sunlight on the incisions until the scars are no longer red. Remember that although the external incisions are small, you have had a major operative procedure within your knee joint.
Scientific research has shown that complete healing after knee ligament surgery takes 12-24 months. A very specific and thorough rehabilitation plan has been developed to guide you in your post-operative exercise and activities. You will begin this rehabilitation program after your postoperative visit. The plan may be modified, if necessary, based upon your individual rate of healing and recovery.
. Go to physical therapy
Physical therapy is needed to help you regain strength in your leg. If you do not have a regular physical therapist, ask your doctor for suggestions in your area.
Be sure to perform and participate in all rehab exercises to the best of your ability. Check with your insurance company to see how many sessions your plan covers.
. Take your medicine
If you are prescribed pain medications, take them as prescribed. They can help you recover faster by dulling pain while working on strength and range-of-motion exercises in physical therapy.
Do not overuse your pain medication or it may be harder to function without them once the prescription has run out.
. Get proper sleep and nutrition
Getting the right amount of rest helps your body heal. Try to incorporate lean protein, dairy, and plenty of vegetables into your diet.
. Returning to work
How quickly you can return to work after having knee surgery will depend on what your job involves.
If you work in an office, you may be able to return to work after 2 to 3 weeks.
If you do any form of manual labor, it could be up to 3 months before you can return to work, depending on your work activities.
. Driving
Your GP can advise you on when you can drive again. This will usually be after 3 to 4 weeks, or whenever you can comfortably put weight on your foot.
. Exercise
If you’ve recently had Knee Ligament Surgery, exercises are an important part of your recovery, in addition to a physical therapy program. Follow our home exercise guide for 1-4 weeks after surgery. The goal of these exercises is to regain neuromuscular control of the quadricep, strengthen the hip and maintain ankle range of motion on the affected leg.