Repicci II General Info

REPICCI II UNICONDYLAR KNEE PROGRAM PATIENT INFORMATION

REPICCI II implants are self-aligning metal and plastic 'retreads' which are inserted through an extended arthroscopic procedure to 'retread' the exposed bone; designed to relieve weight bearing pain, rebalance the knee, improve knee function, and prevent or delay the need for a total knee replacement.

The procedure may be performed on an outpatient basis (discharged 4-6 hours after surgery) or you may be required to stay overnight in the hospital (discharged within 24 hours after surgery), depending on your individual circumstances. You will require someone at home to assist you the first few days.

INCISION CARE
The incision will be 3-4 inches in length, is sutured with surgical steel wire and covered with 'steri-strips' (white tapes) and a gauze dressing. (The drain will be removed before discharge).

Call the office at (02) 9387 2877 to schedule an appointment for one week from your surgery so the sutures can be removed. We will also get a post-op x-ray of the knee at that time.

You may change the gauze dressing as needed to keep the dressing CLEAN and DRY. (Remove dressings carefully to avoid skin abrasions).

You may NOT get the incision wet until the sutures are removed, therefore, you must sponge bathe.

You may shower 2 days after sutures are removed but may NOT bathe or swim until 2 weeks from surgery.

The steri-tapes (white tapes) usually curl from the edges and fall off on their own. If not, they may be removed 5-7 days after the sutures are out.

You may apply Vitamin E or some moisturizing lotion to the incision after the steri-strips are removed.

Some swelling and warmth is expected after surgery. If you develop increased redness, drainage, or a fever, CALL THE OFFICE.

Bruising around the thigh-knee area is not uncommon, this is a result of the tourniquet used during surgery. This may extend down the leg to the shin and ankle/heel area and will resolve in 10-14 days.

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