After this, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.
You will usually need to stay at least one night in hospital.
You will see a physiotherapist before the operation, once or twice a day during your hospital stay, and then as an outpatient for a number of weeks or months. During the first few weeks you should be prepared to see a physiotherapist twice a week. The amount of physiotherapy required varies, so please follow the advice of your physiotherapist and surgeon.
Pain relief
If you need them, continue taking painkillers as advised by the hospital.
We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.
Recovery time
Walking short distances – little and often – will speed your recovery. You can apply ice packs (such as frozen peas wrapped in a towel) to your knee up to four times a day to help reduce any pain and swelling. You must follow your surgeon's advice about driving and returning to work. You shouldn't drive until you are confident that you could perform an emergency stop without discomfort.
How your loved ones can help
Once you’re ready to be discharged from hospital, you’ll need to arrange a taxi, friend or family member to take you home as you won’t be able to drive.
Looking after you
Even after you’ve left hospital, we’re still looking after you every step of the way. After knee ligament surgery, we will provide you with all the appropriate medication, physiotherapy exercises, advice on what to do and not to do with your knee and follow-up support.
Typically your consultant will want to see you after your treatment to see how you’re doing. You will also be seen by a physiotherapist.
On rare occasions, complications following knee ligament surgery can occur, such as infection of the wound or joint, damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels, and tears or stretches to the graft. The chance of complications depends on the exact operation you are having and other factors such as your general health.
We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
If you have any questions or concerns, we’re ready to help.