Typically, the worst pain is in the first 24 to 48 hours therefore you will be getting regular pain medication at this point with the goal of tapering once the worst pain has passed. The pain medication allows us to control the discomfort, and this then allows you to move more freely.

Your knee may appear warm and swollen during the first couple of weeks and typically between 4 to 6 weeks the wound will become red and itchy, this is due to the stitches that start dissolving. It is completely normal provided that there is no leaking of the wound.

The most common side effect of the pain medication is constipation which can be resolved with simple laxatives as well as general mobilising and a healthy diet. This should ease up once some of the pain medication is stopped.

Your knee will tend to be swollen initially and it is completely normal. Elevation and ice may help, but once the quadriceps mechanism starts functioning normally the swelling will settle.  Should your swelling be accompanied with pain in the calf, please contact us.

Short flights, less than 2 hours, should be delayed for a minimum of 6 weeks and longer flights should be delayed for 3 months. Prophylactically we will prescribe anticoagulation for short flights as well as long flights within the first-year post-surgery.