What is the postoperative course?
The patient is kept under close observation for about 24 hours. The leg is supported in a knee brace. One or two plastic tubes (drains) are placed to drain excess blood from the knee. The patient is given antibiotics, painkillers and a blood-thinning agent. The patient is made to sit up and walk with support the next day. The drains are removed after 24-48 hours. The patient is discharged 4-7 days after the operation. The sutures are removed between 10-14 days, and physiotherapy is instituted to regain movements. Physiotherapy may be required for 3-6 weeks (sometimes longer), and is continued after discharge on an out-patient basis.
