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Post-operative Information

Length of hospital stay

Your hospital stay will depend on the complexity of your procedure, your general health, and your recovery in terms of pain control and mobility. 

Typical length of stay for common procedures: 

  • Knee arthroscopy: Day surgery
  • Meniscus surgery: Day surgery
  • ACL reconstruction: Overnight stay (<24 hours)
  • Patella stabilisation: Overnight stay (<24 hours)
  • Realignment osteotomy: Overnight stay (<24 hours)
  • Knee replacement:
  • Partial knee replacement: Overnight stay (<24 hours)
  • Total knee replacement: 2-4 day stay

When to seek medication attention

Contact Dr Free’s rooms or seek urgent medical care if you experience: 

  • A sudden increase in pain or swelling
  • Persistent wound drainage beyond 72 hours after surgery
  • Temperature above 38 degrees for more than 12 hours
  • New calf pain and/or swelling
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain

General post-operative care

Wound care

  • Keep your surgical dressing intact until your appointment with Dr Free (approximately two weeks post-surgery)
  • Dressings may be changed earlier if there is significant bleeding or discharge
  • If a waterproof dressing has been applied, you may shower, but avoid soaking the wound in baths
  • Avoid hot tubs and swimming pools for at least three weeks after your surgery

Icing

  • Apply ice to the surgical site for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first few days
  • Always place a thin cloth or towel between the ice and your skin

Crutches and mobility

  • You may require crutches; Dr Free will advise you regarding their use
  • You will also be given specific instructions on how much weight to place on your operated leg

Driving after knee surgery

Lower limb surgery can impair your ability to drive safely, both due to restricted movement and potential side effects of prescribed pain medication (opioids). 

As a general guideline, you should not drive until: 

  • You can walk without crutches
  • Your knee has adequate, pain-free movement
  • You are no longer taking strong narcotic pain-relief medication
  • In most cases, wait until your post-operative visit before commencing driving, or as otherwise advised by Dr Free

Return to work after knee surgery

The timing of your return to work will depend on the procedure performed and the physical demands of your job. Most patients require at least two weeks off work. This will be discussed in detail during your consultation. 

Flying after knee surgery

Surgery on the lower limb increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to a pulmonary embolus if the clot travels to the lungs. Air travel, especially within six weeks of surgery, further increases this risk due to prolonged sitting and reduced cabin pressure. 

For this reason, it is generally recommended to avoid flying during the first six weeks after surgery. If you need to travel within this period, discuss your plans with Dr Free to assess your individual risk and consider preventive measures.