Question - Lateral Release (what to expect)

by Ashley
(Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA)

I am having a lateral release in about a week in a half. This isn't my first knee surgery. My first surgery was decided as unnecessary by my new doctor. I am scared and I really don't know what to expect.

They said it would be swollen for up to 6 months. How will I walk if I am in a lot of pain. My knee is pretty bad and he doesn't know if this is all he will have to do.

Will there be a giant brace or lots of stitches?? They told be some but I guess I'm just nervous.

Comments for
Question - Lateral Release (what to expect)

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 16, 2008
Rating

It ok to be nervous...
by: Bart - SII

Ashley, you have lots of good questions. Read through the lateral release information to learn about the surgery, recovery, etc.

You should only have 3 small incisions, each one with one single suture - some doctors don't use any stitches at all.

All of the physicians I have worked with don't use a brace, but put a foam pad along the outside of the knee and then wrap it on with an elastic bandage. Some doctors will use a brace with hinges, others won't.

You will probably need crutches for a few days to a couple weeks until you can start walking without too much pain.

Your knee may have swelling for several months - this is very common. Most of the time though, the swelling is minimal by 4-6 weeks and it doesn't cause too many problems.

If you have lots of questions, make sure to ask your doctor - they are there to answer your questions, even if they sometimes seem like they are in a big hurry.

And you can always post here with more questions.

Bart