<aside> ⏰ Surgery Timing: Avoid Menstruation We know that estrogen levels fall just prior to menstruation, and low levels are known to be pro-inflammatory. Supporting this, menstruation is a highly inflammatory event that causes a systemic (whole body) increase in major inflammatory cytokines, so this may be a time to avoid surgery. - International Arthrofibrosis Association

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Pre-operative Instructions

Patients will receive specific instructions from their healthcare provider, which may include fasting for a certain period before the surgery, stopping certain medications, and arranging for transportation post-surgery.

Common pre-op instructions:

Follow any specific dietary restrictions provided by your surgeon
- No NSAIDs or fish oil for 1-2 weeks before surgery
No shaving of the knee for 1-2 weeks before surgery (to prevent cuts, infection, in-grown hairs)
Arrange for a caregiver to drive you home from the hospital
Arrange for someone to stay with you for the first 48 hours post-surgery

Day of Surgery

On the day of surgery, patients should arrive early, wear comfortable clothing, and avoid wearing makeup, jewelry, or nail polish. They will be prepped by the surgical team, which includes changing into a hospital gown and starting an IV line.

Common surgery day instructions:

Shower in the morning
No food OR drink after midnight the night before
- Brush teeth but do not swallow
- No chewing gum or mints
No lotion on knee
No nail polish (for blood oxygen monitor)
No make-up or jewelry
No bras with under-wire