How long will my surgery last?
Surgery times can vary greatly depending on your individual needs. Check with your surgeon on how to plan the day of your procedure and recovery from anesthesia. Once you recover from the anesthesia, you will likely be released that same day. It’s important also to know that you will not be able to drive home following the surgery. Make sure to plan accordingly.
What clothes should I wear to surgery?
Come wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and bring a small backpack to carry your paperwork and any personal items. This may be easier than carrying a bag, especially if you have to use crutches or other mobility assistance devices.
Can I eat or drink before surgery?
Follow your orthopedic surgeon’s instructions regarding food and drink before surgery.
Important
Do not plan on driving from your procedure. Your doctor will let you know when it’s safe to drive following surgery.
What is R-I-C-E?
Here are some ways to help alleviate your pain and support your recovery that you can do once you return home. Simply remember, R-I-C-E.
REST: General rest is incredibly important. Stay off your knee and use crutches as instructed. Follow your surgeon’s advice on how long to keep weight off your knee.
ICE: Ice your knee for 20 minutes every 2 hours.
COMPRESSION: Use an elastic (ACE-type) wrap or compression bandage on your knee if instructed to do so.
ELEVATION: Lie down with your knee propped up on pillows.
A key component of your preparation is getting set up with a rehabilitation program and physical therapist who can help get you back to your active lifestyle with personalized exercises and proper care.
How you rehab after the procedure is so important in your return to living life on your terms.
Talk with real patients about their experience with MACI
Hear about real personal experiences with knee cartilage damage and MACI. The MACI Mentor Program gives you an opportunity to connect one-on-one with real people who have had the MACI procedure.
To speak with a MACI Mentor, call 1-888-237-5493 or click here
“Thanks to MACI, I’m back to running, biking and living my day-to-day life without any knee pain.”
—Abby, MACI patient*
*Paid testimonial by a MACI patient. Individual results may vary.
See Abby’s and others’ stories about how MACI has helped them get back to their active way of life.