Knee Surgery Post-Operative Instructions James Dettling, MD 702-877-6781 Procedure Performed : ____________________________________________________________________ Date: _________________________ Weight Bearing Status: Weight Bearing as Tolerated Operative Extremity ______________ Partial Weight Bearing Operative Extremity _____________ Physical Therapy to initiate as ordered Remove current dressing and place band-aids over portal sites 48 hours after your surgical procedure. Leave sutures in place until removed by a physician. You may shower after your procedure, however, you must keep the operative sight dry until the sutures are removed approximately one week after surgery. Follow up with Dr. Dettling 3-7 days after your procedure(s) as scheduled. Place an ice bag over the operative region. Do not leave ice bag in place for more than 30 minutes at a time. Remove ice for a short period (30 minutes) then replace. Keep dressings dry and clean during this treatment. If there is mild drainage identified at the surgical site/dressing immediately after surgery simply reinforce the dressing by wrapping a clean dressing over the current dressing. Do not remove the current dressing unless instructed to do so by a physician. If significant amount of drainage is identified at the surgical site please call your surgeon immediately. Elevate the operative extremity above the level of your heart after surgery so as to decrease the swelling and ultimately the discomfort in the early post-operative period. Crutches and/or a knee immobilizer may be provided depending on the nature of the procedure performed. Continue to utilize these instruments as directed or until further instructions are provided by Dr. Dettling and/or his staff. Please not that not all procedures require crutches/immobilization devices post-operatively. You may initiate a diet a regular diet as tolerated after your procedure. We suggest you start slowly with clear liquids and advance you diet as tolerated. If there is increased pain, swelling, redness, drainage, a foul smell originating from the operative site or for any other questions or concerns regarding your surgical procedure, call our office immediately (702-877-6781) to speak to a physician. Further post-operative instruction may be provided by the surgical facility staff. Please adhere to all post-operative instructions given.