Knee surgery - Post operative advice

Knee Surgery Post Operative Advice Pain and Swelling Management The following management tips will help to reduce your pain and swelling after surgery.

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Avoid using large ice blocks as these do not mold well to your knee.

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Do not put ice directly on your skin. Wrap ice in a layer of thin, moist towel or pillowcase before applying it to your knee.

Rest 

Use walking aids as prescribed by your therapist

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Do NOT ice beyond 30 mins. Stop icing if you experience skin pain.

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Avoid prolonged walking

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Check your skin under the ice often, to prevent ‘ice burn’. It should be a little pink. It should not be red or white

Ice 

Ice your knee for 20mins, 3x/day, after performing your exercises.

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You may use frozen gel packs or a bag of frozen peas instead. You can refreeze the peas but do not eat them. They must be thrown away once no longer needed for icing.

Compress  Apply tubigrip or compression bandage as taught by your therapist

Elevate  To minimize swelling, avoid dangling your leg lower than the rest of your body. Keep it propped up, ideally higher than the level of your heart. 

When sitting, prop your knee / feet up on a chair or table.

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When resting in bed, put pillows under your heel. Ensure that the pillow is not under your knee.

Brace Management  You may be given a knee brace to stabilise your knee or limit the amount of knee bending while your recover. Wear the knee brace at all times except when showering. 

Your knee bending is limited from ___˚ to ____˚.

Subsequently, your physiotherapist/ surgeon will adjust your brace accordingly.

To wear your brace: A. Align the pads on your knee brace by the side of your knee.

B. Secure all straps before you start walking.

C. The straps should be firm but not too tight. Ensure that you can slide one finger easily between your leg and the straps.

You may adjust the tightness via the velcro straps.

D. Your physiotherapist may teach you how to lock/unlock your knee brace. Lock your knee brace while walking to prevent your knee from giving way.

A

B

C

D

To shower with your knee brace: 

You may cover your knee brace with a large trash bag and secure it with medical tape.

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Alternatively, you may be allowed to take out your knee brace during shower. Ensure that you are seated securely in the shower and your shower hose/toiletries/towel are within reach. Support your leg on a stool before you remove your brace. Reapply your brace immediately after shower and drying your leg, before you stand up.

Dos and Don’ts  Do rest your knee in a fully straighten position unless performing exercises or advised otherwise by your therapist.

This ensures that your knee will not stiffen in a bent position. 

Do use your knee brace/crutches during walking until otherwise advised by your surgeon/physiotherapist.

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Do your exercise as prescribed.

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Do inform your surgeon/physiotherapist if you experience any pain/ instability/giving way.

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Do NOT start any form of exercise other than what is recommended by your physiotherapist.

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Do NOT twist/pivot/squat on your affected knee.

Disclaimer: Exercises illustrated and instructed in this handout are strictly for designated patients based on the assessment and instruction of the therapist. If you have any doubts, please contact your physiotherapist.

Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities in the north of Singapore, under the National Healthcare Group.

Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.

REHAB.PE.PT.075.0320