Instructions after the operation

Arthroscopic surgery of the knee

- Ibuprofen 600 mg 2x a day: 1 in the morning after breakfast and 1 in the evening after dinner until the box is empty.

- Driving a car is allowed after 1 week.

- You can put weight on the operated leg, but avoid pivoting movements the first 2-3 weeks.

- You have to follow the rehabilitation program given by the physiotherapist.

- After 2 weeks your home doctor can remove the stitches of the arthroscopy, 2 days later you can take a shower. The other stitches are resorbable and will disappear.

- In case of fever more than 38,5° and a painful swollen knee, it is necessary to contact Dr. Dedecker (0477/33.39.90).

- The knee can be moderately swollen during the first weeks.

- In case you have a swollen knee, rest and put ice on the knee.

Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee

- Ibuprofen 2 x a day : 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening after dinner until the box is empty.

- Clexane injections : every day around the same time, as long as you are wearing the brace ( 4 weeks). Women have to wear it for 6 weeks when they smoke or take the birth control pill. (= increased risk of phlebitis).

- Brace : 4 weeks. After 2 weeks you only wear it during daytime.

- Crutches: 2 crutches the first 2 weeks, afterwards 1 crutch for 1 to 2 weeks in the other arm.

- Driving a car is not allowed with a knee brace.

- You can lean on the knee.

- You have to follow the rehabilitation program carefully.

- After 2 weeks your home doctor can remove the 2 small stitches of the arthroscopy. 2 days later you can take a shower. - The other stitches are resorbable and will disappear.

- When you have a fever of more than 38.5° and a painful, swollen knee, it is necessary to contact Dr. Dedecker (0477/33.39.90).

- The knee can be moderately swollen during the first 4 to 8 weeks.

Hip prosthesis

- Icing the knee once or twice a day.

- Ibuprofen 600 mg twice a day: one in the morning and one in the evening after eating for 3 to 4 weeks.

- Clexane injections; every day around the same time for 6 weeks.

- After 6 weeks you don’t need to wear the white stockings anymore.

- You can lean on your feet right away. The first couple of weeks after surgery you will learn to walk again with the help of 2 crutches.

- When you have a fever (more than 38,5°C) and a painful swollen knee, it is necessary to contact Dr. Dedecker (0477/33.39.90).

- Don’t sit in a low coach or lay down in a bed too close to te floor. It is better to put a higher bed.

- Don’t fold one leg over the other.

- When you sleep on the side you should put a cushen between your knees.

- Your patience will be rewarding. Don’t compare yourself to other patients. You’ll get there as well. Sometimes it takes 6 weeks, sometimes 6 months.

Knee prosthesis

- Icing the knee once or twice a day.

- Ibuprofen 600 mg twice a day: one in the morning and one in the evening after eating for 3 to 4 weeks.

- Clexane injections; every day around the same time for 6 weeks.

- After 6 weeks you don’t need to wear the white stockings anymore.

- You can lean on the knee right away. The first couple of weeks after surgery you will learn to walk again with the help of 2 crutches.

- When you have a fever (more than 38,5°C) and a painful swollen knee, it is necessary to contact Dr. Dedecker (0477/33.39.90).

- A hometrainer is very useful to regain mobility.

- The knee can be moderatly swollen during the first months after surgery.

- Your patience will be rewarding. Don’t compare yourself to other patients. You’ll get there as well. Sometimes it takes 6 weeks, sometimes 6 months.

Arthroscopic surgery of the ankle

- Ibuprofen 600 mg twice a day: one in the morning and one in the evening after a meal until the box is empty.

- The cast stays for two weeks till the check-up appointment.

- When you have a fever of more than 38,5° C, it is necessary to call Dr. Dedecker (0477/33.39.90).

- Do not lean on the foot for two weeks.

- Clexane injections: every day around the same time for 20 days

Hallux Valgus

- Ibuprofen 600 mg twice a day: one in the morning and one in the evening after a meal during 3 to 4 weeks.

- Clexane injections : every day around the same time for 10 days.

- The dressing you received after surgery is sterile and doesn’t need to be replaced before your check-up appointment.

- When you have a fever of more than 38,5° C and a painful swollen foot, you need to call Dr. Dedecker (0477/33.39.90).

- It is not allowed to take a bath or shower the first two weeks after surgery.

- The first week after surgery don’t walk to much and take periods of rest with your leg high.

- You can lean on the foot right away. The first 6 weeks you walk with the shoe that you have received at the hospital.