Arthroscopic ACL Reconstruction

by Kevin P. Murphy,

M.DACL Reconstruction

Partial Menisectomy / RepairAbrasion Chondroplasty

Synovectomy

General Information

I am honored that you have selected me as your surgeon, and I consider it a privilege to provide you with the highest level of surgical care.

Please read through this disc as it will explain the process you will go through before and after surgery.

Please contact me if you have any problems or questions.

Pre-operative Evaluation

You will be seen by my Physician Assistant pre-operatively

Your consent form will include ACL reconstruction, partial menisectomy/repair, abrasion chondroplasty, and synovectomy. This will allow me to fix any possible problems that I may find.

The potential complications from surgery include, but are not limited to: infection, nerve injury, loss of motion, and possible failure of repair

Pre-operative Evaluation

•You will receive prescriptions for post-op pain medication

•You will be fitted for a hinged knee brace if not already done so; you will receive this the day of your surgery

•Physical Therapy may be done at Center One or Riverside. If these locations are not convenient, you may obtain a prescription to take elsewhere

•If you were given a form for medical clearance, this must be accomplished prior to surgery

•You will be notified by the surgery center for your time of arrival the day before your surgery

Surgery Day Arrive at the surgery center at your scheduled time

You will speak with a representative of Pain Reduction Concepts Inc., and be given a TENS unit to help with post-op pain and swelling.

You will be seen by an anesthesiologist who will administer a nerve block, numbing your knee

You will be taken back to the OR and put to sleep

The procedure will generally take about 35min.

Upon completion of the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will remain for approximately 45min or until it is deemed safe for you to go home.

The TENS unit will be placed on and any further assistance or instruction regarding the device will be given at this time.

Dr.Murphy and/or his physician assistant will talk to your family members immediately following the procedure to explain what was done and answer any questions.

Post-Operative•You are allowed to walk on your leg the day of your surgery; you may bend your knee and place full weight on it, but it is encouraged to limit your activities to inside the house for a few days.

•Make sure you are wearing your brace whenever you are walking

•The crutches are mainly for use the day of your surgery while your knee is numb; if you don’t need them, you need not use them.

•For the first few days you should keep your leg elevated on pillows to help reduce swelling. While doing so, pump your ankle to squeeze your calf muscle and help prevent any clots.

Post-Operative

Start using anti-inflammatory medication right away-ensure you eat prior to taking the medication; for pain that is not relieved by that medication, use the other pain medication you were prescribed.

In addition to medication, use the prescribed TENS unit as directed. This is not a substitute for the pain medication, but will help to further reduce post-op pain and swelling.

The nerve block will keep your knee numb, but it is recommended to take your pain medication before you go to sleep so if the block wears off during the night you don’t wake up in pain

Apply Ice to the knee 20 min on / 20 min off during the day for 3 days This can be done while using the TENS unit.

Post-Operative

Keep bandage dry for 2 days

You may shower, but keep bandage out of the direct flow of water for 2 days; you may find it helpful to wrap your knee with saran wrap to help keep it dry

Remove bandage on day 3, shower, place Band-Aids over incisions

No soaking knee in water, like you would if you were to bathe or go swimming for about 3 weeks.

Start Physical Therapy within one week

Bring the TENS unit to your first Physical Therapy appointment so the Therapist can make any necessary changes.

2 week Follow-up

You will be seen about 2 weeks from surgery by my Physician Assistant for staple/suture removal

Please bring your pictures/disc for review if you would like an explanation of the procedure

Therapy should be ongoing

Continue to use the TENS unit as needed for pain, swelling, and/or muscle spasms.

You be returned to light duty at work

Please ask for Dr Murphy if you are having problems

6 week Follow-upYou will be seen at 6 weeks by my Physician Assistant for re-

check

If you are having pain that restricts motion, a cortisone injection will be offered

Therapy may be complete or still on going; if it has been completed but more therapy is deemed necessary you will be given another prescription for continued physical therapy

If you have regained adequate knee strength, you may be issued a different knee brace at this time; this brace is more favored by patients as its more comfortable and less bulky

You will be returned to limited duty at work

Please ask for Dr Murphy if you are having any problems

12 week Follow-up

You will see Dr Murphy and/or his physician assistant at this visit

You should have near full motion and strength

Pain should be minimal

You will typically be directed to home exercises and should continue to work on building strength for your knee

You should be at unrestricted work

Contact Numbers

Office – 904-634-0640

Dr Murphy’s Medical Assistant- ext 1062 Call for any problems during business hours

After hours / weekends- call office number – recording will give you pager for on call team

Pain Reduction Concepts Inc. Adam Frisbie – 904-424-7020 Steve Ross – 904-591-1974 Roger Bowers – 904-610-1685

If you have an emergency situation, call 911

For more information, please visit: www.jaxsportsdoc.com