Postoperative Wound Care Instructions Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

  • A bulky dressing will be placed on your knee at the end of your surgery.  The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures underneath the skin and steri-strips on top of the skin.  Please keeps this dressing clean and dry at all times.  You may remove the dressing after 72 hours but please leave the steri-strips in place. Often the steri-strips will fall off after several days and they do not need to be replaced.  It is OK to take short showers but please do not soak your knee in the bath, pool, hot-tub, lake, etc.  After you have showered allow the knee to dry and then cover the incisions with an ACE wrap.  You do not need to apply any antibiotic ointment to the incisions.   Using and ACE wrap and frequently elevating the leg will help reduce swelling. 

 

  • Clear or bloody drainage from the incisions may occur for several days and is normal.  If there is any redness or yellow drainage please monitor closely.  Warmth and swelling is normal and part of the healing process.  

 

  • Ice the knee intermittently to help control pain and swelling, usually 15-20min at a time and repeat 5-7 times daily.  Place a thin towel between the ice pack and skin to prevent frostbite injury.  

 

  • At your two week follow-up further wound care instructions will be provided if necessary.

 

  • Please contact our office through MyChart or call our office at 270-417-7940 f you have any concerns and our office staff will be happy to help you.