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Dr. Shurland: ACL Reconstruction

Download printable ACL Reconstruction Post-Op Instructions

Overview

You have undergone a knee arthroscopy using a small fiber-optic camera to perform surgery. This is done through small incisions the size of buttonholes. You have 2 or 3 of these small incisions.

Diet

Begin with liquids, then resume your regular diet when you feel ready to do so.

Activity

Unless otherwise instructed, you may place as much weight as you can tolerate on the operated leg. Bend and straighten your knee to avoid stiffness. The crutches are for safety. Please use them until your follow up appointment in the office. Do not drive a car until you are instructed to do so. Elevate your leg as much as possible to prevent swelling. If you are required to wear a brace, wear it while walking and sleeping. It should be unlocked while walking and locked in a straight position while sleeping.

Precautions

For your own safety please do not drink alcohol, operate hazardous equipment or make important decisions for 24 hours.

Wound Care

It is important to keep the surgical dressing on and your wound dry for the first 3 days. At that point you may remove your dressing. Please apply band-aids to the incisions. Remove them before you shower and put clean ones on afterwards. Do not apply creams or lotions to the incisions. If you notice swelling in your leg, wrap the leg from the foot to just above the knee with an ace wrap. Please do not take baths, go in a Jacuzzi or go swimming until after your first follow up visit.

Pain Control

After ACL reconstruction you may have some pain and swelling. This is normal and usually diminishes after a few days. The pain will respond to rest, ice, elevation and the pain medicine you were given. You may apply ice or use a cooling device for as many days as you feel it helps you. If using ice, be careful not to freeze your skin – use a cloth under it and do not leave it on for more than 15 minutes at a time.

If you have received prescription pain medication, follow the instructions and DO NOT DRIVE, DRINK ALCOHOL OR PERFORM DUTIES THAT REQUIRE CONCENTRATION OR MANUAL DEXTERITY WHILE TAKING THE MEDICATION. Take the medication with food or milk. It may also be helpful to take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen for pain control if you do not have any allergies to or difficulties with these medicines (i.e. stomach ulcers, kidney problems). These can be used in combination with or in place of your prescribed pain medication. Some patients have found Benadryl to be an effective alternative for pain control and nausea. One to two Benadryl tablets (25 to 50 mg) every 4-6 hours as an adjunct to your prescription is recommended.

Blood Clots

Blood clots are rare after ACL reconstruction. The more active you are the less likely they are to occur. Just as a precaution, on the day after surgery, begin taking one coated aspirin (ecotrin or bufferin) daily for two weeks to help prevent blood clots. Do not do this if you are allergic to aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicine or have stomach ulcers.

Work/School

You may return to work/school as soon as you are comfortable to do so. This usually takes 3 – 5 days. If you require a note, please ask for one at the time of your next visit.

Follow-up Appointment

The date and time of the follow up appointment is listed on the preoperative letter. If you have not scheduled this appointment please call the office at 781-279-7040.

Exercise

Begin doing the following exercises the day after surgery. Do them at least 3 times a day. Start gradually and work your way up to 3 sets of 10 for all the exercises each time you do them. Lay down on the bed, couch, or floor.

  • Straight Leg Raises – with the knee held straight out, raise the leg off the bed. The foot should be about 6 inches off the bed.
  • Quad Sets – With the leg straight contract the thigh muscle, hold it for 3 seconds and relax.
  • Ankle Motion – Pump your ankle up and down as far as it will go in each direction.
  • Knee Motion – Begin to actively move the knee. Straighten the knee fully and bend it as far as you can without too much discomfort.

Formal physical therapy will begin after your first follow up appointment if needed.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

If you have persistent fever greater than 101°, wound redness or drainage; numbness and/or tingling in the affected extremity, or calf pain, please contact our office to speak with your doctor or the covering physician during the off hours. The 24 hour office number to speak with your doctor is 781-279-7040.

What Our Patients Have to Say

I can not stop raving about how good this place is for healing and getting your mobility back after an injury. You will make a good decision to attend this place of business and you will be in good, qualified hands to regain your strength back. Everyone is extremely nice and professional. I would recommend it to anyone who is in need of physical therapy. They do a terrific job and leave you feeling as though you can overcome any obstacle.

Kristen B.

If you’re an athlete this is the place to go. These people really know what they’re doing. I went here for a torn MCL a month ago. They x-rayed my knee as soon as I got there. Dr. Zahner is as professional as they come, very straight forward and helpful. Would’ve been a very long road to recovery had I not found this place.

Austin S.

Agility Orthopedics are great! I followed Dr. Zahner to Agility from where he was before at North Suburban Orthopedics! Everyone at Agility is very professional and very nice and are willing to answer any questions you may have! This was not the case at the other place! I would recommend Agility to anyone!

Judy W.

I was treated by Chase Conway for an issue with my elbow, and I can confidently say he was extremely professional throughout the entire process. He was direct and focused on exactly what I needed, always demonstrating precision and a clear understanding of what he was doing. He took great care of my elbow, which was a major concern for me, and his expertise made all the difference.

Kesia L.

First visit. Dr. Sherman was kind, compassionate, an active listener to my concern/issue, and had excellent patient/provider relations. He discussed the treatment plan and walked me through the whole procedure. Above and beyond his knowledge, his exemplary bedside manner should be an example to others.

Rob Q.

As always, I enjoyed my visit with Dr Kapassi. He took the time I needed, to listen to my issues, from the last visit I made last year. After asking several questions related to my health, he gave me a few options regarding treatment. I told him I'd like to consider those options. He agreed. At no time did he rush me or made me feel as if I wasting his precious time.

Janice H.

Very pleased with the prompt scheduling and medical guidance from Dr. Zahner, I've been having left hip issues for some time now, 3 months ago I visited a different Dr and was not happy so I went to Dr Zahner for 2nd advice. He was very thorough and offered several helpful scenarios, (not a potential hip replacement) 5 Stars and 2 thumbs up from this 63 year old triathlete!

Bob B.

I have been going to Agility Orthopedics for years now. As a Disabled Veteran, I refused to be seen at the VA. These are the people I trust to complete their due diligence when helping patients, taking our concerns to heart and ensuring patients safety/health are priority 1!! Highly Recommend!!

David B.

Dr. Anderson was able to see the actual problem I had within minutes that other doctors I had seen were unable. He's super friendly and the physical treatments he had me doing has helped me enormously. I can't say enough nice things about the man.

Brian R.