Patella: Lateral Release / Realigned
Postoperative Instructions:
Brent P. Hansen, DO (602-588-4040)
(LRR, Patellar realignment, MPFL repair)
Send Instructions Home with Patient
DIET:


Progress to your normal diet unless you are nauseated
If nauseated take liquids and light foods (jello, soups, etc.)
FOR 24 HOURS FOLLOWING SURGERY:
 Be in the care of a responsible adult. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Do not drive.
 Do not make important personal or business decisions or sign legal documents.
ACTIVITIES:
 Elevate the leg above your chest level for as much as possible. Trips to the bathroom, etc., are permitted.
 Use crutches with brace. Ace bandage may be loosened but don’t remove.
 Weight bearing allowed is:
Toe Touch;
Full
Non-weight bearing.
 You may shower if dressing is kept dry. Wrap with cellophane until water-tight before shower and avoid soaking.
 Do not engage in activities which increase pain or swelling in your affected joint, such as stair climbing or long
periods of standing or reaching.
 Return to work depends on your type of employment and ability to elevate your leg.
EXERCISE:
 Begin vigorous ankle pumps and foot movements immediately. Perform 3 - 4 times per hour while awake.

Straight leg raises and quadriceps tightening 10 – 20 times each; 3 – 4 times per day.
WOUND CARE:
 Maintain your postoperative dressing. Loosen the Ace bandage if swelling of the leg, foot or ankle occurs.
 Dressings will be removed one week after surgery in the orthopedic office.
 May shower without cellophane wrap after dressing removed. Avoid immersing in water.
MEDICATIONS:
 Strong oral pain medications have been prescribed. Use as directed and avoid alcoholic beverages.
 When taking pain medications, be careful as you walk, drive or climb stairs. Mild dizziness is not unusual.
 Do not take medications that have not been prescribed by your physicians.
 Resume your home medications

Enteric Coated Aspirin 325mg
once
twice daily for three weeks.
PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE (602-588-4040) IF:

Increasing Redness, or swelling, around the incision.

Draining anything but clear yellow or pink (blood tinged) fluid.

Continuous drainage from incisions. A small amount or drainage is expected.

Recurrent temperature elevations higher than 101.5º F without explanation after 3 days.

Extremity swelling that fails to resolve after several hours of elevation of the leg on 1-2 pillows or after a nights sleep.
If short of breath, chest pressures, and or pain, GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM for further evaluation.
FOLLOW-UP CARE:
 Please schedule an appointment for:
5-7 days
10-14 days
_____ days by calling 602-588-4040
Other Instructions:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
These discharge instructions have been explained to the patient/significant other. I acknowledge that I understand these instructions and that I have no
further questions. A copy has been given to the patient / significant other .
Signed: __________________________ Date: ________
Patient / Significant Other
Signed: __________________________ Date: __________
Physician / Nurse