Meniscectomy

Wound care

Remove your surgical dressing on the second day after surgery. Keep incisions clean and dry, use waterproof bandages for showering, and avoid immersing the leg (no baths or pools).

Weight-bearing

You may put full weight on the surgical leg, using crutches for assistance as needed.

Ice

Use your ice machine or ice packs 20 minutes every 2 hours until your first post-operative visit. Keep a thin towel between the ice and your skin.

Medications

The numbing medicine wears off in about 8-12 hours, start your pain medicine before then.

• Pain medicine (Norco or Percocet): 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 12 tablets in 24 hours. Do not take extra Tylenol with it.
• If prescribed Journavx: 2 tablets before you leave for surgery, then 1 tablet every 12 hours.
• Use a stool softener as needed, pain medicine commonly causes constipation.

Showering & driving

Shower with incisions covered by waterproof bandages, no baths, pools, or hot tubs. Do not drive until cleared, and never while taking narcotic pain medicine.

Physical therapy

Your formal physical therapy plan is discussed at your first post-operative visit, typically 7-14 days after surgery.

When to call us

• Fever above 101.5°F
• Pain that will not let up, or painful swelling / numbness
• Increasing redness or continuous drainage / bleeding from the incision
• A change in the color of the operated arm or leg
• Difficulty breathing, or excessive nausea / vomiting

For a true emergency, call 911. For non-urgent questions about your recovery, please contact our office.