During the postoperative period, different care and precautions must be considered. In addition, depending on the type of surgery, different types of aids are used for the postoperative period of Dr. Gelber’s surgeries.
The dressing placed over the wounds may become wet or stained with blood.
This to some extent is normal and comes from knee fluids generated during surgery and in the first few days after surgery.
If your dressing looks soaked with blood, you should go to the emergency room or contact Dr. Gelber. Wounds should not be wet directly with shower water and should be protected with a waterproof bag until the stitches are removed. In case you accidentally got wet, remove the bandages, dry the wound with a sterile gauze and then cover the wounds again with another gauze with Betadine/Chlorhexidine and fix it with tape.
Although the recommended activity depends on the type of surgery, avoid excessive movement in the first few days as this will cause inflammation and pain.
Perform the exercises we have recommended, unless otherwise indicated, several times a day.
The most important things during the first phases is to regain full extension of the knee and begin to bend it.
Secondarily, the aim will be restoring the muscle strength.
You will notice that your knee is sore and swollen for the first few days. To improve this, it is recommended:
A few lines of fever for 2 or 3 days after surgery are very common.
This does not indicate any infection. However, if you notice that you have a fever of more than 37.8º or it persists after 4 or 5 days after surgery, contact Dr. Gelber.
Also if you have pain that you cannot control with the prescribed medications or the skin in the surgery area is hot, red and very painful, do not hesitate to call us.
Normally you can return to driving once you have no significant pain and your knee has good mobility.
Keep in mind that you need good mobility to avoid delayed reactions while driving your car. Try performing a test in a quiet area and note that pressing any of the pedals does not cause pain or discomfort.
People who require external aids such as crutches to move, are also not allowed to drive.
You can resume sexual activity as soon as you feel ready.
After knee surgeries, crutches are used to avoid putting weight or load on the operated leg and to facilitate mobility. To use them correctly:
These and other activities using crutches can be seen in the video.
The CRYOPUSH is a therapeutic device that combines cold and compression to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in musculoskeletal injuries. To use it correctly after a knee surgery:
It is important not to use the Cryopush for longer than recommended and always follow safety guidelines to avoid skin damage from excessive cold.
The continuous motion device (CPM) or Kinetec is used to regain mobility in the knee after surgery. Its main function is to passively mobilize the joint, helping to reduce stiffness and improve flexion and extension of the knee in a controlled manner.
How to use:
Remember to follow Dr. Gelber’s specific instructions, and not to push your knee beyond its capacity during the early stages of recovery.
