HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Limitations after Arthroscopic Meniscus Surgery

Support Forums
>
Osteoarthritis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/17/2013 12:23 PM (GMT 0)

My 10 year old daughter just had Arthroscopic Lateral Meniscus Surgery, left knee on 5/30/13. For the first 3 days after surgery I her icing and elevating 24/7. On the 5th day she went to her first Physical Therapy appt. Her range of motion in her left knee was significantly better than she has ever had. Her recovery process is coming along wonderfully. So good that I have to slow her down. I am constantly having to remind her not to run and skip, take it easy. She recently had her stitches removed. They said no swimming or baths for another 3 weeks. I am wondering why they don't want her to swim? What is the reasoning behind this? Does anyone know?
I would greatly appreciate any insight you may have on this particular surgery/recovery.

Thank you

Mary
Posted 6/17/2013 12:37 PM (GMT 0)
Mary, orthopedic surgeons are very careful about infections, because bone and joint infections can be very painful and disabling. A wet environment can harbor all sorts of infectious organisms, and creates a great atmosphere for getting an infection in a partially-healed incision.

I know it's hard for her to miss swimming for half the summer, but it could save her years of pain and disability in the future. Hope she has a great recovery and is swimming like a fish before the end of summer!
Posted 6/17/2013 12:49 PM (GMT 0)
Judy2,

Thank you very much for your reply. I had completely forgot about the high risk of infection that comes along with this sort of procedure. Do you think I could allow her to walk through the sprinkler or is that too risky as well?

Mary
Posted 6/18/2013 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
Mary, you can probably break out some wide tape and a trash bag to wrap up that knee, if she's willing to let you do that. If she does get it wet (kids being kids and all), just be sure to dry it thoroughly.
Posted 6/19/2013 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
With my knee surgeries after the stitches were out I just couldn't soak in a tub or pool for a couple weeks. Showers and such were okay.

Actually a strip of tape over the oles would suffice.

Take care,
Bill
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply