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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

Shoulder Instability Repair

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Shoulder Arthroscopy

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

Achilles Tendon Repair

Ankle Fracture Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

Related Links:

  • Southern Orthopaedic Association logo
  • Arthroscopy Association of North America logo
  •  American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons logo
  • PatientIQ logo
  • American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine - AOSSM
 logo