Arthroscopic ACL
Reconstruction
by
Kevin P. Murphy, M.D
ACL Reconstruction
Partial Menisectomy / Repair
Abrasion Chondroplasty
Synovectomy
General Information
 I am honored that you have selected me as your
surgeon, and I consider it a privilege to provide you with
the highest level of surgical care.
 Please read through this disc as it will explain the
process you will go through before and after surgery.
 Please contact me if you have any problems or
questions.
Pre-operative Evaluation
 You will be seen by my Physician Assistant preoperatively
 Your consent form will include ACL
reconstruction, partial menisectomy/repair,
abrasion chondroplasty, and synovectomy. This
will allow me to fix any possible problems that
I may find.
 The potential complications from surgery
include, but are not limited to: infection,
nerve injury, loss of motion, and possible
failure of repair
Pre-operative Evaluation
•You will receive prescriptions for post-op pain medication
•You will be fitted for a hinged knee brace if not already
done so; you will receive this the day of your surgery
•Physical Therapy may be done at Center One or Riverside. If
these locations are not convenient, you may obtain a
prescription to take elsewhere
•If you were given a form for medical clearance, this must be
accomplished prior to surgery
•You will be notified by the surgery center for your time of
arrival the day before your surgery
Surgery Day
 Arrive at the surgery center at your scheduled time
 You will speak with a representative of Pain Reduction Concepts Inc., and be
given a TENS unit to help with post-op pain and swelling.
 You will be seen by an anesthesiologist who will administer a nerve block,
numbing your knee
 You will be taken back to the OR and put to sleep
 The procedure will generally take about 35min.
 Upon completion of the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room
where you will remain for approximately 45min or until it is deemed safe for
you to go home.
 The TENS unit will be placed on and any further assistance or instruction
regarding the device will be given at this time.
 Dr.Murphy and/or his physician assistant will talk to your family members
immediately following the procedure to explain what was done and answer
any questions.
Post-Operative
•You are allowed to walk on your leg the day of your surgery; you
may bend your knee and place full weight on it, but it is
encouraged to limit your activities to inside the house for a few
days.
•Make sure you are wearing your brace whenever you are walking
•The crutches are mainly for use the day of your surgery while your
knee is numb; if you don’t need them, you need not use them.
•For the first few days you should keep your leg elevated on
pillows to help reduce swelling. While doing so, pump your ankle
to squeeze your calf muscle and help prevent any clots.
Post-Operative
 Start using anti-inflammatory medication right away-ensure
you eat prior to taking the medication; for pain that is not
relieved by that medication, use the other pain medication
you were prescribed.
 In addition to medication, use the prescribed TENS unit as
directed. This is not a substitute for the pain medication, but
will help to further reduce post-op pain and swelling.
 The nerve block will keep your knee numb, but it is
recommended to take your pain medication before you go to
sleep so if the block wears off during the night you don’t
wake up in pain
 Apply Ice to the knee 20 min on / 20 min off during the day
for 3 days
 This can be done while using the TENS unit.
Post-Operative
 Keep bandage dry for 2 days
 You may shower, but keep bandage out of the direct flow of
water for 2 days; you may find it helpful to wrap your knee
with saran wrap to help keep it dry
 Remove bandage on day 3, shower, place Band-Aids over
incisions
 No soaking knee in water, like you would if you were to bathe
or go swimming for about 3 weeks.
 Start Physical Therapy within one week
 Bring the TENS unit to your first Physical Therapy
appointment so the Therapist can make any necessary
changes.
2 week Follow-up
 You will be seen about 2 weeks from surgery by my
Physician Assistant for staple/suture removal
 Please bring your pictures/disc for review if you would
like an explanation of the procedure
 Therapy should be ongoing
 Continue to use the TENS unit as needed for pain,
swelling, and/or muscle spasms.
 You be returned to light duty at work
 Please ask for Dr Murphy if you are having problems
6 week Follow-up
 You will be seen at 6 weeks by my Physician Assistant for recheck
 If you are having pain that restricts motion, a cortisone
injection will be offered
 Therapy may be complete or still on going; if it has been
completed but more therapy is deemed necessary you will be
given another prescription for continued physical therapy
 If you have regained adequate knee strength, you may be
issued a different knee brace at this time; this brace is more
favored by patients as its more comfortable and less bulky
 You will be returned to limited duty at work
 Please ask for Dr Murphy if you are having any problems
12 week Follow-up
 You will see Dr Murphy and/or his physician assistant at
this visit
 You should have near full motion and strength
 Pain should be minimal
 You will typically be directed to home exercises and
should continue to work on building strength for your
knee
 You should be at unrestricted work
Contact Numbers
 Office – 904-634-0640
 Dr Murphy’s Medical Assistant- ext 1062
 Call for any problems during business hours
 After hours / weekends- call office number – recording will give you
pager for on call team
 Pain Reduction Concepts Inc.
 Adam Frisbie – 904-424-7020
 Steve Ross – 904-591-1974
 Roger Bowers – 904-610-1685
 If you have an emergency situation, call 911
 For more information, please visit: www.jaxsportsdoc.com