Your doctor will give you specific postoperative instructions depending on your type of surgery. Here are some of the basic general instructions you need to follow after any surgery:
- Take pain-relieving and other medications as advised. Pain-relieving medication should be taken with food. After the first 48 hours of surgery, take the pain medication only when needed.
- Do not drink alcohol, drive a vehicle, operate any machinery, or sign a legal document for the first 24 hours after the surgery as the effects of the sedative and/or the anesthesia administered during the surgery may last for the first 24 hours of the surgery.
- Use ice packs to control swelling. However, make sure that the ice bag does not leak into the dressing. Ice packs can be used liberally for the first 48 hours and even later if required.
- Follow the specific restriction of activity, as advised. Remember that it is easier to prevent developing pain rather than managing it once it has already developed. Rest for a few days after the surgery and keep the operated extremity elevated, above the level of your heart, to control swelling.
- Keep the dressing clean and dry to promote wound healing.
- Try to begin physical therapy a day or two after the surgery. Exercises in the first week are usually aimed at regaining joint motion. Strengthening exercises are initiated later. Regular exercises are critical for a successful outcome.
- Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drinks.
- Schedule your follow-up appointment with your doctor as advised.
Please consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Increased drainage from the incision
- Increased redness around the operated area
- Increased swelling that does not decrease with ice and elevation
- Foul odor
- Fever greater than 101°F
- Coldness, numbness, or blanched white or bluish color of the fingers or toes
- Sudden calf pain or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Hip – Discharge instructions
Hip Arthroscopy with Labral Repair, Femoroplasty and/or Acetabular Rim Trim, and Capsular Closure
Total Hip Replacement
Total Hip Arthroplasty Discharge instructions
Medication guide for Hip and Knee Joint Replacement
Total Hip Replacement Surgery Guide/FAQs
Total Hip Replacement Exercise Guide
Knee – Discharge Instructions
Knee Arthroscopy +/- partial meniscectomy
Knee Arthroscopy with MPFL Reconstruction
Distal Radius Open Reduction and Internal Fixation
ACL Reconstruction Meniscus Repair and Partial Meniscectom
Knee Arthroscopy and Meniscus Repair
Total Knee Replacement
Total Knee Arthroplasty Discharge instructions
Medication guide for Hip and Knee Joint Replacement
Total Knee Replacement Surgery Guide/FAQs
Total Knee Replacement Exercise Guide
A Guide to Your Hip/Knee Replacement Surgery
Shoulder – Discharge Instructions
Arthroscopic Shoulder SLAP Repair
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair
Total Shoulder Replacement
Medication guide for Shoulder Replacement
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Discharge Instructions
A Guide to Your Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Discharge Instructions
Hand and Wrist – Discharge instructions
Thumb Cmc Arthroplasty Post-op Protocol
Ankle – Discharge instructions
Achilles Tendon Debridement and Repair with Haglund Resection +/- FHL transfer
Ankle Fracture Open Reduction and Internal Fixation