General Knee Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to inspect the inside of your knee with a small telescope, inserted through a small ¼ inch incision. Most knee problems that require surgery can be managed with special instruments while viewing through the arthroscope.

Remember, even though the incisions are small, surgery has been performed inside the knee joint. You should expect some post-operative discomfort. Medication will be ordered to provide pain relief.

You will be able to leave the hospital after you recover from anesthesia. You may find crutch walking more comfortable for the first few weeks after surgery. You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital. Physical therapy will start three days after surgery, in most cases. You will be given a prescription at the time of your pre-op exam with Dr. Reznik.

Now that your surgery has been scheduled:

•  If your injury is being covered by workers compensation, we must have written approval for your surgery. Please confirm this with Dr. Reznik's secretary before you do the following:

•  Contact your Primary Care Physician to schedule a pre-op exam within 30 days of your surgery date.

•  Then call Dr. Reznik's secretary, Theresa, at (203) 865-6784 to let her know the date and time of this appointment. She will then fax over the necessary paperwork your Primary Care Physician, who will need to complete and return the paperwork to our office.

•  At that time, she will also give you your appointments for both your pre-op and post-op visits with Dr. Reznik.

•  Physical Therapy starts three or four days post-op unless otherwise indicated. You will receive prescriptions for your medications and physical therapy at your pre-op appointment with Dr. Reznik. It is ok to fill your prescriptions prior to your surgery, BUT DO NOT START TAKING THEM UNTIL AFTER YOUR SURGERY.

Pre-Operative Planning:

Inform your family and friends about your upcoming surgery, should you need help during your recovery.

Plan and freeze meals in advance for your recovery time. Move scatter rugs out of walking areas to avoid tripping.

Have ice bags available. A large bag of frozen peas or corn wrapped in a towel works well. Have pillows available to elevate your leg as needed. Have appropriate footwear (Sneakers or comfortably fitting shoes).

Stop taking Herbal supplements, Aspirin and aspirin-like drugs such as: Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Daypro or Naprosyn, 7-10 days prior to surgery. Refer to following link.

The Day Of Surgery

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery!!

You may brush your teeth, provided you do not swallow ANY water. Remove all jewelry. Remove nail polish.

Have someone to drive you to and from the hospital. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home from your surgery.

Get your prescriptions filled before your surgery day but do not start to take until after your surgery.

Put crutches in the car.

Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothes to the hospital.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them and wear glasses to the hospital.

Post-Operative Instructions

Take your medications as prescribed after surgery. If you have questions regarding your medication please call Dr. Reznik's office at (203)-865-6784.

Drink plenty of fluids while you are taking pain medication as it can cause constipation and increasing your fluid intake will help prevent this problem.

You may resume driving when you can weight bear on the affected leg without pain and you are no longer taking narcotic pain medication.

You may shower 48 hours after surgery (Tuesday surgery may shower on Thursday. Friday surgery may shower Sunday.)

Pain Control:  Take pain medication as prescribed by Dr. Reznik. Please call our office with any questions regarding your medication.  Ice as directed above. Elevate leg above heart level using 2-3 pillows. This will also decrease swelling.

Stop smoking: Smoking slows the healing process by interfering with the making of new DNA. Smoking also increases the risk of infection and pneumonia after surgery by slowing your body's white blood cells.

Deep Breathing: Be sure to regularly take a deep breath and blow it out. This helps to clear the lungs after anesthesia.

Remove the dressings, shower, then place Band-Aids over incisions. You may replace bandage if comfortable. Use ice bags for 24-48 hours post-op to reduce pain and swelling. Alternate 20 mins. on and 10-15 mins. off . Never place ice bag directly on skin as this can cause frostbite, always wrap ice in a towel. Follow directions on exercise sheet for post-op exercises.

Call Dr. Reznik immediately if you develop a fever, or notice excessive redness, warmth, or swelling at surgical site. Also if you have excessive bleeding or odorous drainage from surgical site.

When resting in bed after surgery place 2-3 pillows under effected leg and elevate slightly above heart level, this will help reduce swelling.