Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation

Wound care

Remove your surgical dressing on the second day after surgery. Leave steri-strips until your first visit. Keep incisions clean and dry, waterproof for showering, and avoid immersing the leg.

Brace

Wear your hinged knee brace as instructed, typically locked in full extension at first. Unlock only for seated range-of-motion exercises as directed, and remove for showering.

Weight-bearing

Use crutches with protected weight-bearing (toe-touch to partial) for about 6 weeks, depending on the repair. Progress to full weight-bearing only when your surgeon approves.

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

• Aspirin 81-325 mg daily to help prevent blood clots.
• 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.

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 & follow-up

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.