Osteochondral Defect (OCD) Drilling: Post-Operative Instructions

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Dressings

You will have plastic adhesive (sticky) dressings on your surgical incisions.  You are able to shower with the plastic dressings on, but they should not be immersed in water or go in the bath.  If they become loose, we recommend reapplying plastic adhesive dressings such as Tegaderm® or OpSite®, which can be obtained from a pharmacy.

Pain Relief

Paracetamol should be taken regularly 3-4 times per day, and other pain relief should be taken as directed by your Anaesthetist and Dr Slattery.  Ice packs can also be used to help treat swelling for the first 72hrs after your operation.  The knee may be swollen for several days to a week post op. 

Week 1 -2

Compression bandage for swelling

Keep the incision sites clean and dry – you require a wound review at 2 weeks post op

Non weight bearing with the leg in full extension

Exercises

Straight leg raises + Static quadriceps exercises, core strengthening

Brace

Hinged knee brace locked in Extension

Weeks 2-6

Compression bandage for swelling

Non weight bearing

Exercises

Straight leg raises

Static quadriceps exercises

Well-leg stationary cycling, upper body ergometer for cardio. Add upper body and core conditioning

Brace

Hinged knee brace 0-30

Weeks 6 – 12

Review with X-Ray at 6 weeks

Partial weight bearing 50% with crutches

Exercises

Straight leg raises + Static quadriceps exercises

Stationary Bike, gradually increasing resistance

Brace

Unlock Braceat 6 weeks

Review at 12 weeks with MRI Scan

Contact Us If:

  • You have a persistent fever

  • You have wound ooze or discharge

  • You get calf/leg swelling and pain

Follow-up Appointments

If an appointment has not been made for you prior to discharge, please contact VBJS on 03 5752 5020.  All patients require a wound review at 10-14 days after surgery. 

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Total Knee Replacement: Post-Operative Physiotherapy Protocol

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Radiofrequency Denervation