Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
- Post-surgery care
After ACL surgery, move your ankles up and down an average of 10 times every 10 minutes. Continue this exercise for two to three days to promote blood circulation and to prevent blood clots from forming in your legs.
Elevation
Keep your operated leg elevated with a pillow. Do not put pillows behind your knee because this limits motion of the knee. Place the pillow under your heel and calf.
Take pain medication
Expected pain and discomfort for the first few days. Take pain medications s prescribed.
Care of wound dressing
The dressing on your knee is usually removed the day after surgery. Keep the wound clean and dry.
Monitor for signs and symptoms of infection
- Fever
- Inrease in pain
- Discharges from the surgical wound
- Redness and swelling
Knee Brace
- Keep knee brace on as instructed by your surgeon. DO NOT attempt to adjust the degree of the knee brace
- Knee brace should be worn continuously for the first six weeks even while you are asleep
- All straps of the knee brace should be tightened to prevent slip when walking
Physiotherapy
You will be reviewed by a physiotherapist after surgery. The therapist will discuss with you regarding your rehabilitation program.