Preparing for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery involves more than just medical readiness; thoughtful planning regarding clothing can significantly improve the experience. Understanding the unique requirements of the surgical day, from arrival to the trip home, allows patients to maintain comfort and dignity. The physical changes immediately following the procedure necessitate specific wardrobe adjustments that standard clothing cannot accommodate.
Dressing for Pre-Operative Preparation
The clothing worn upon arrival at the surgical center should prioritize ease of access for the medical team and simplicity for the patient. Loose-fitting layers are recommended, as the patient will change into a hospital gown shortly after checking in. Simple, accessible clothing helps reduce friction during the necessary preparation steps.
Choosing a top that opens fully, such as a button-down shirt or a full-zip jacket, is advantageous. Pullover shirts can be difficult to manage, especially immediately after surgery when movement is restricted or an intravenous (IV) line is in place. The arm opposite the surgery will be relied upon for maneuvering crutches, making easy dressing a consideration for the trip home.
Lower body clothing should be easily removable. Simple sweatpants or loose athletic shorts work well for this initial stage. The staff may need access to the limb for marking or initial prepping procedures before the patient is moved to the operating room.
Accommodating the Post-Surgical Brace and Swelling
The most substantial wardrobe challenge occurs when dressing for the trip home, as the surgical leg will be heavily bandaged, swollen, and encased in a large post-operative brace. Standard athletic wear or even loose jeans will not fit over the volume of the immobilized leg. The garments must accommodate a significant increase in circumference, often several times the size of the unoperated leg.
Breakaway or tear-away athletic pants feature snap closures running the length of the outer seams. These pants allow the garment to be wrapped around the braced leg without requiring the foot to be threaded through a narrow opening. The ability to completely open the pant leg is necessary, as bending the knee or pushing fabric over the brace is impossible and could compromise the surgical site.
If breakaway pants are unavailable, oversized, wide-leg sweatpants or large basketball shorts are the next option. These must be several sizes larger than the patient normally wears to ensure they can be pulled up to the hip without friction. However, these options are riskier than the tear-away design, as they still require navigating the foot and brace through a finite opening.
Choosing dark-colored fabric is a practical consideration for managing potential post-operative drainage. Minor seepage or staining can occur during the movement from the recovery room to the vehicle, even though the wound site is covered with absorbent dressings. Dark materials, such as navy blue or black, help conceal small stains and maintain a sense of cleanliness.
The material itself should be soft and non-irritating, avoiding rough seams or stiff fabrics that could rub against the incision sites. This minimizes contact pressure on the healing area while ensuring maximum accessibility for the medical staff to check the dressing before discharge.
Essential Non-Clothing Considerations
Beyond the specific clothing choices, several non-garment preparations are necessary to ensure a safe surgical day. Footwear is important, as the patient will be navigating with crutches or a mobility aid immediately after the procedure. Shoes must be flat, non-slip, and easy to put on without bending over or using the hands extensively.
Slip-on shoes, such as slides, clogs, or slippers with a sturdy sole, are the preferred choice. Laces are discouraged, as tying them requires balance and flexibility that will be temporarily compromised. The non-slip sole is important for maintaining traction on hospital floors or when navigating uneven surfaces with crutches.
Patients must adhere to strict rules regarding accessories and personal adornments for safety purposes. All jewelry, including rings, necklaces, and body piercings, must be removed before the procedure. This is because metal can interfere with electrosurgical equipment used during the operation, posing a burn risk.
Makeup, nail polish, and acrylic nails are prohibited. Nail beds and lips are monitored by the anesthesia team to assess blood oxygen saturation and circulation, and colored polishes or makeup can obscure these clinical signs. If the patient wears contact lenses, they should be removed and glasses brought instead, as general anesthesia can cause dry eyes.
Logistical preparation includes securing a comfortable method of transportation home and bringing the correct documentation. A designated driver is mandatory, as the effects of anesthesia and pain medication make driving unsafe. Patients should bring their identification, insurance card, and any necessary pre-registration paperwork in a small, easily managed bag.