Post-operative instructions: knee

Crutch walking weight bearing as tolerated on affected leg. May discontinue crutches when comfortable. Keep knee dressing dry and in place for 48 hours. May remove knee dressing in 2 days and get knee wet in shower. Do not submerge knee for 2 weeks – no bath, hot tub or pool for 2 weeks. Leave knee open to air with no dressing after 2 days. Leave white steri-strips in place for 2 weeks.

You will be given 4 medications:

  • Enteric coated Aspirin 325mg 1 pill twice per day with food for 10 days
  • Percocet 5mg: 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain if the Motrin doesn’t cover all of your pain
  • Keflex 500mg: 1 pill every 6 hours for 1 day only.
  • Phenergan 12.5mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for nausea

You can ice the knee for 30 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours then ice again for 30 minutes at a time and so on. If using the Polar Care, check skin every hour to make sure no frost bite (whiteness). Instructions on side of device. Stay ahead of the pain. The brace should be worn when walking. The brace should not be locked. Call for physical therapy appointment to start 5-7 days after surgery.

Return to office to see Dr. Kittredge in 2 weeks.

Any problems or questions, please call.

  • Alexandria office 703-810-5209
  • Springfield office 703-810-5210
  • Springfield PT 703-810-5211

Crutch walking weight bearing as tolerated on affected leg. May discontinue crutches when comfortable. Keep knee dressing dry and in place for 48 hours. May remove knee dressing in 2 days and get knee wet in shower. Do not submerge knee for 2 weeks – no bath, hot tub or pool for 2 weeks. Leave knee open to air with no dressing after 2 days. Leave white steri-strips in place for 2 weeks.

You will be given 4 medications:

  • Motrin 800 mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for pain
  • Percocet 5mg: 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain if the Motrin doesn’t cover all of your pain
  • Keflex 500mg: 1 pill every 4 hours for 1 day only.
  • Phenergan 12.5mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for nausea

You can ice the knee for 30 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours then ice again for 30 minutes at a time and so on. Stay ahead of the pain. Once you feel any pain, take the Motrin. If that doesn’t cover it, take the Percocet.

Return to office to see Dr. Kittredge in 1 week.

Any problems or questions, please call.

  • Alexandria office 703-810-5209
  • Springfield office 703-810-5210

Crutch walking, weight bearing as tolerated on the affected leg. You may discontinue the use of crutches when comfortable.

Keep knee dressing dry and in place for 48 hours. May remove dressing in 2 days and get knee wet in shower. Do NOT submerge knee in water for 2 weeks- NO bath, hot tub or pool for 2 weeks. Leave knee open to air with no dressing after 2 days. Leave white steri-strips in place for 2 weeks.

You will be given 4 medications:

  • Enteric Coated Aspirin 325 mg – 1 pill 2 times per day for 3 weeks.
  • Percocet 5 mg – 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain
  • Keflex 500mg – 1 pill every 6 hours until finished.
  • Phenergan 12.5 mg – 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for nausea.

You can take Motrin for pain, if the Motrin doesn’t help with the pain take the Percocet.

Pain Medication Tips:

  • Do not drive while taking pain medications.
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking pain medications.
  • Pain medication should be taken with food as this will help prevent any stomach upset.
  • Often pain medications will cause constipation. Eat high fiber foods and increase your fluid intake if possible.
  • To alleviate constipation, purchase a stool softener at any pharmacy and follow the recommended directions on the bottle.

Resume regular medications.

You can ice the knee for 30 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours, then ice again for 30 minutes at a time and so on. Stay ahead of the pain. When you feel any pain, you can take the Motrin. If that doesn’t cover it, take the Percocet.

Your surgeon can be contacted 24 hours a day for any problems or questions by calling the Alexandria Office 703-810-5209 Option 3 or the Springfield Office 703-810-5210 Option 3.

Return to office to see Dr. Kittredge in 1 week.

Any problems or questions, please call.

  • Alexandria office 703-810-5209
  • Springfield office 703-810-5210

Crutch walking weight bearing as tolerated on affected leg. May discontinue crutches when comfortable. Keep knee dressing dry and in place for 48 hours. May remove knee dressing in 2 days and get knee wet in shower. Do not submerge knee for 2 weeks – no bath, hot tub or pool for 2 weeks. Leave knee open to air with no dressing after 2 days. Leave white steri-strips in place for 2 weeks.

You will be given 4 medications:

  • Motrin 800 mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for pain
  • Percocet 5mg: 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain if the Motrin doesn’t cover all of your pain
  • Keflex 500mg: 1 pill every 4 hours for 1 day only.
  • Phenergan 12.5mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for nausea

You can ice the knee for 30 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours then ice again for 30 minutes at a time and so on. Stay ahead of the pain. Once you feel any pain, take the Motrin. If that doesn’t cover it, take the Percocet.

Return to office to see Dr. Kittredge in 2 weeks.

Any problems or questions, please call.

  • Alexandria office 703-810-5209
  • Springfield office 703-810-5210

Weight bearing as tolerated on affected leg. Physical therapy appointment today or as soon as possible.

You will be given 2 medications:

  • Motrin 800 mg – 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for pain
  • Percocet – 1 – 2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain, if the Motrin doesn’t cover all of your pain.

Pain Medication Tips:

  • Do not drive while taking pain medications.
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking pain medications.
  • Pain medication should be taken with food as this will help prevent any stomach upset.
  • Often pain medications will cause constipation. Eat high fiber foods and increase your fluid intake if possible.
  • To alleviate constipation, purchase a stool softener at any pharmacy and follow the recommended directions on the bottle.

You can ice the knee for 30 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours then ice again for 30 minutes at a time. Stay ahead of the pain. Once you feel pain, take the Motrin. If that doesn’t cover the pain, take the Percocet.

Return to the office to see Dr. Kittredge in 4 weeks.

Any problems or questions, please call.

  • Alexandria office – 703-810-5209 Option 3
  • Springfield office – 703-810-5210 Option 3

Crutch walking non-weight bearing on affected leg. Keep knee dressing dry and in place for 48 hours. May move knee as much as is comfortable. May remove knee dressing in 2 days and get knee wet in shower. Do not submerge knee for 2 weeks – no bath, hot tub or pool for 2 weeks. Leave knee open to air with no dressing after 2 days. Leave white steri-strips in place for 2 weeks.

You will be given 4 medications:

  • Enteric coated Aspirin 325mg 1 pill twice per day with food for 10 days
  • Percocet 5mg: 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain if the Motrin doesn’t cover all of your pain
  • Keflex 500mg: 1 pill every 4 hours for 1 day only.
  • Phenergan 12.5mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for nausea

You can ice the knee for 30 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours then ice again for 30 minutes at a time and so on. Stay ahead of the pain. Once you feel any pain, take the Motrin. If that doesn’t cover it, take the Percocet.

Return to office to see Dr. Kittredge in 1 week.

Any problems or questions, please call.

  • Alexandria office 703-810-5209
  • Springfield office 703-810-5210

Crutch walking weight bearing as tolerated on affected leg. May discontinue crutches when comfortable. Keep knee dressing dry and in place for 48 hours. May remove knee dressing in 2 days and get knee wet in shower. Do not submerge knee for 2 weeks – no bath, hot tub or pool for 2 weeks. Leave knee open to air with no dressing after 2 days. Leave white steri-strips in place for 2 weeks.

You will be given 4 medications:

  • Motrin 800 mg: 1 pill every 8 hours as needed for pain
  • Percocet 5mg: 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain if the Motrin doesn’t cover all of your pain
  • Keflex 500mg: 1 pill every 6 hours for 1 day only.
  • Phenergan 12.5mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for nausea

You can ice the knee for 30 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours then ice again for 30 minutes at a time and so on. If using the Polar Care, check skin every hour to make sure no frost bite (whiteness). Instructions on side of device. Stay ahead of the pain. Once you feel any pain, take the Motrin. If that doesn’t cover it, take the Percocet.

Return to office to see Dr. Kittredge in 1 week.

Any problems or questions, please call.

  • Alexandria office 703-810-5209
  • Springfield office 703-810-5210

Crutch walking non-weight bearing as tolerated on affected leg. May discontinue crutches when comfortable. Keep knee dressing dry and in place for 48 hours. May remove knee dressing in 2 days and get knee wet in shower. Do not submerge knee for 2 weeks – no bath, hot tub or pool for 2 weeks. Leave knee open to air with no dressing after 2 days. Leave white steri-strips in place for 2 weeks.

You will be given 4 medications:

  • Lovenox 40mg subcutaneous injection each day
  • Percocet 5mg: 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain
  • Keflex 500mg: 1 pill every 4 hours for 1 day only.
  • Phenergan 12.5mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for nausea

You can ice the knee for 30 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours then ice again for 30 minutes at a time and so on. If using the Polar Care, check skin every hour to make sure no frost bite (whiteness). Instructions on side of device. Stay ahead of the pain. Once you feel any pain, take the Motrin. If that doesn’t cover it, take the Percocet. The brace should be worn when walking. The brace should not be locked. Call for physical therapy appointment to start 5-7 days after surgery.

Return to office to see Dr. Kittredge in 2 weeks.

Any problems or questions, please call.

  • Alexandria office 703-810-5209
  • Springfield office 703-810-5210
  • Springfield PT 703-810-5211

Crutch walking weight bearing as tolerated on affected leg. May discontinue crutches when comfortable. Keep knee dressing dry and in place for 48 hours. May remove knee dressing in 2 days and get knee wet in shower. Do not submerge knee for 2 weeks – no bath, hot tub or pool for 2 weeks. Leave knee open to air with no dressing after 2 days. Leave white steri-strips in place for 2 weeks. Keep brace in place except in shower. Full range of motion is allowed in brace.

You will be given 4 medications:

  • Motrin 800 mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for pain
  • Percocet 5mg: 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain if the Motrin doesn’t cover all of your pain
  • Keflex 500mg: 1 pill every 4 hours for 1 day only.
  • Phenergan 12.5mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for nausea

You can ice the knee for 30 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours then ice again for 30 minutes at a time and so on. If using the Polar Care, check skin every hour to make sure no frost bite (whiteness). Instructions on side of device. Stay ahead of the pain. Once you feel any pain, take the Motrin. If that doesn’t cover it, take the Percocet.

Return to office to see Dr. Kittredge in 1 week.

Any problems or questions, please call.

  • Alexandria office 703-810-5209
  • Springfield office 703-810-5210

Crutch walking non-weight bearing on affected leg. Keep knee dressing dry and in place for 48 hours. May move knee as much as is comfortable. May remove knee dressing in 2 days and get knee wet in shower. Do not submerge knee for 2 weeks – no bath, hot tub or pool for 2 weeks. Leave knee open to air with no dressing after 2 days. Leave white steri-strips in place for 2 weeks.

You will be given 4 medications:

  • Enteric coated aspirin 325mg 1 pill twice per day with food for 10 days
  • Percocet 5mg: 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain if the Motrin doesn’t cover all of your pain
  • Keflex 500mg: 1 pill every 4 hours for 1 day only.
  • Phenergan 12.5mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for nausea

You can ice the knee for 30 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours then ice again for 30 minutes at a time and so on. Stay ahead of the pain. Once you feel any pain, take the Motrin. If that doesn’t cover it, take the Percocet.

Return to office to see Dr. Kittredge in 1 week.

Any problems or questions, please call.

  • Alexandria office 703-810-5209
  • Springfield office 703-810-5210

Crutch walking weight bearing as tolerated on affected leg. May discontinue crutches when comfortable. Keep knee dressing dry and in place for 48 hours. May remove knee dressing in 2 days and get knee wet in shower. Do not submerge knee for 2 weeks – no bath, hot tub or pool for 2 weeks. Leave knee open to air with no dressing after 2 days. Leave white steri-strips in place for 2 weeks. Keep knee in immobilizer at all times. Do not bend knee. Keep straight at all times.

You will be given 4 medications:

  • Motrin 800 mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for pain
  • Percocet 5mg: 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain if the Motrin doesn’t cover all of your pain
  • Keflex 500mg: 1 pill every 4 hours for 1 day only.
  • Phenergan 12.5mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for nausea

You can ice the knee for 30 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours then ice again for 30 minutes at a time and so on. Stay ahead of the pain. Once you feel any pain, take the Motrin. If that doesn’t cover it, take the Percocet.

Return to office to see Dr. Kittredge in 2 weeks.

Any problems or questions, please call.

  • Alexandria office 703-810-5209
  • Springfield office 703-810-5210

Crutch walking weight bearing as tolerated on affected leg. May discontinue crutches when comfortable. Keep knee dressing dry and in place for 48 hours. May remove knee dressing in 2 days and get knee wet in shower. Do not submerge knee for 2 weeks – no bath, hot tub or pool for 2 weeks. Leave knee open to air with no dressing after 2 days. Leave white steri-strips in place for 2 weeks.

You will be given 4 medications:

  • Motrin 800 mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for pain
  • Percocet 5mg: 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain if the Motrin doesn’t cover all of your pain
  • Keflex 500mg: 1 pill every 4 hours for 1 day only.
  • Phenergan 12.5mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for nausea

You can ice the knee for 30 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours then ice again for 30 minutes at a time and so on. Stay ahead of the pain. Once you feel any pain, take the Motrin. If that doesn’t cover it, take the Percocet.

Return to office to see Dr. Kittredge in 2 weeks.

Any problems or questions, please call.

  • Alexandria office 703-810-5209
  • Springfield office 703-810-5210

Crutch walking with 2 crutches. Foot may be flat on ground, but must use crutches to walk for 6 weeks. Weight bearing as tolerated on affected leg. Knee is locked in full extension for 6 weeks. Keep knee dressing dry and in place for 48 hours. May remove knee dressing in 2 days and get knee wet in shower. Do not submerge knee for 2 weeks – no bath, hot tub or pool for 2 weeks. Leave knee open to air with no dressing after 2 days. Leave white steri-strips in place for 2 weeks.

You will be given 4 medications:

  • Lovenox 40mg subcutaneous injection each day for 10 days. Start injection 12-24 hours after surgery
  • Percocet 5mg: 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain if the Motrin doesn’t cover all of your pain
  • Keflex 500mg: 1 pill every 4 hours for 1 day only.
  • Phenergan 12.5mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for nausea

You can ice the knee for 30 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours then ice again for 30 minutes at a time and so on. Stay ahead of the pain.

Return to office to see Dr. Kittredge in 2 weeks.

Any problems or questions, please call.

  • Alexandria office 703-810-5209
  • Springfield office 703-810-5210

Crutch walking weight bearing as tolerated on affected leg. May discontinue crutches when comfortable. Keep knee dressing dry and in place for 48 hours. May remove knee dressing in 2 days and get knee wet in shower. Do not submerge knee for 2 weeks – no bath, hot tub or pool for 2 weeks. Leave knee open to air with no dressing after 2 days. Leave white steri-strips in place for 2 weeks. Keep knee in immobilizer at all times. Do not bend knee. Keep straight at all times.

You will be given 4 medications:

  • Motrin 800 mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for pain
  • Percocet 5mg: 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain if the Motrin doesn’t cover all of your pain
  • Keflex 500mg: 1 pill every 6 hours for 1 day only.
  • Phenergan 12.5mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for nausea

You can ice the knee for 30 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours then ice again for 30 minutes at a time and so on. Stay ahead of the pain. Once you feel any pain, take the Motrin. If that doesn’t cover it, take the Percocet.

Return to office to see Dr. Kittredge in 2 weeks.

Any problems or questions, please call.

  • Alexandria office 703-810-5209
  • Springfield office 703-810-5210

Crutch walking non-weight bearing on affected leg. Keep knee dressing dry and in place for 48 hours. Keep knee in brace in full extension at all times, except when taking shower. May remove knee dressing in 2 days and get knee wet in shower, but knee must remain in full extension. Do not submerge knee for 2 weeks – no bath, hot tub or pool for 2 weeks. Leave knee open to air with no dressing after 2 days. Leave white steri-strips in place for 2 weeks.

You will be given 4 medications:

  • Enteric coated Aspirin 325 mg twice per day for 10 days
  • Percocet 5mg: 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain if the Motrin doesn’t cover all of your pain
  • Keflex 500mg: 1pill every 4 hours for 1 day only.
  • Phenergan 12.5mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for nausea

You can ice the knee for 30 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours then ice again for 30 minutes at a time and so on. Stay ahead of the pain. Once you feel any pain, take the Motrin. If that doesn’t cover it, take the Percocet.

Return to office to see Dr. Kittredge in 2 weeks

Crutch walking weight bearing as tolerated on affected leg. May discontinue crutches when comfortable. Keep knee dressing dry and in place for 48 hours. May remove knee dressing in 2 days and get knee wet in shower. Do not submerge knee for 2 weeks – no bath, hot tub or pool for 2 weeks. Leave knee open to air with no dressing after 2 days. Leave white steri-strips in place for 2 weeks.

You will be given 4 medications:

  • Motrin 800 mg: 1 pill every 8 hours as needed for pain
  • Percocet 5mg: 1-2 pills every 4 hours as needed for pain if the Motrin doesn’t cover all of your pain
  • Keflex 500mg: 1 pill every 6 hours for 1 day only.
  • Phenergan 12.5mg: 1 pill every 6 hours as needed for nausea

You can ice the knee for 30 minutes at a time, then nothing for 2 hours then ice again for 30 minutes at a time and so on. Stay ahead of the pain. Once you feel any pain, take the Motrin. If that doesn’t cover it, take the Percocet.

Return to office to see Dr. Kittredge in 2 weeks.

Any problems or questions, please call.

  • Alexandria office 703-810-5209
  • Springfield office 703-810-5210