Meniscus Repair

Wound care

Remove your surgical dressing on the second day after surgery. Leave the steri-strips until your first visit. Keep incisions clean and dry, use waterproof bandages for showering, and do not immerse your leg in water.

Brace & weight-bearing

Wear your brace locked straight at all times except for hygiene and exercises. Toe-touch weight-bearing only, with the knee locked straight in the brace. Use crutches. For the first two weeks, avoid prolonged standing or sitting without elevating the leg.

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, activity & 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.

Sedentary work or school is often possible in 2-4 days if you feel up to it.

Exercises & physical therapy

Begin gentle exercises on day one (quad sets, heel slides, straight-leg raises, ankle pumps). Aim for full extension and about 90° of bending by your first visit. Formal PT is discussed at your first 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.