JF - Frequently Asked Questions about Knee Surgery JF - Frequently Asked Questions about Knee Surgery (131 KB)

Information is set out under the following headings:

Before Surgery

Do I need to cease using Aspirin prior to my procedure?
Do I need to cease my anti inflammatory medication prior to surgery, including a joint replacement?
Can I still take my blood pressure tablets with a sip of water when I am fasting?
What time will I be discharged from hospital if I am staying overnight?

After surgery

My postoperative appointment after my surgery isn’t for another 2-3 weeks. Can I take my dressings off prior to this appointment?
How long do I wear my compression bandage (Tubigrip)?
How long after surgery can I get my leg wet?
When I stand up it feels as if the blood is rushing into my leg. It makes it hard to stand. What can I expect?
My leg is swollen and painful. Do I need to worry?
My knee is bruised and it seems to be getting worse and moving down my leg. What can I expect?
The front of my knee is very sensitive and it hurts to kneel. What can I expect?
There is a numb patch on my knee/leg. What can I expect?
When I touch the cut I can feel tingling in the skin nearby. What can I expect?

Arthroscopy

If I live interstate or a long distance away, do I have to return to Melbourne for my postoperative visit?
How long after an arthroscopy can I fly?
How long until I can return to work after an arthroscopy?
How soon can I drive after an arthroscopy?
Do I need to see a physiotherapist after an arthroscopy?
How long do I wear the compression bandage?
How long after an arthroscopy can I swim?
I had an arthroscopy a few months ago and my knee has started clicking. What can I expect?

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

If I live interstate or a long distance away, do I have to return to Melbourne for my postoperative visits after an ACL reconstruction?
How long after an ACL reconstruction can I fly?
How long until I can return to work after an ACL reconstruction?
How soon can I drive after an ACL reconstruction?
Do I need to see a physiotherapist after my ACL reconstruction?
I had a hamstring ACL reconstruction about three weeks ago and recently felt a snap in the back of my thigh. What can I expect?
How long do I wear my compression bandage after my ACL reconstruction?
How long after an ACL reconstruction can I swim?
I am getting cramps in my hamstring when I bend my knee bending after my ACL reconstruction. What can I expect?

Knee replacement

My dentist said I may need to take antibiotics prior to my upcoming dental treatment due to the fact I had a previous joint replacement?
Can I have an MRI after having a total knee replacement?
My leg and foot are still swollen, what can I expect?
Can I kneel after a knee replacement?

Other

Do you perform meniscal transplantation?
Do you perform meniscal replacement?
Do you perform autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI/MACI or cartilage grafting)?

These notes have been prepared by orthopaedic surgeons at OrthoSport Victoria. They are general overviews and information aimed for use by their specific patients and reflects their views, opinions and recommendations. This does not constitute medical advice. The contents are provided for information and education purposes only and not for the purpose of rendering medical advice. Please seek the advice of your specific surgeon or other health care provider with any questions regarding medical conditions and treatment.