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
Ankle
- Ankle Achilles Repair Post-Op
- Ankle Arthroscopy Post-Op
- Ankle Arthroscopy with Brostrom Post-Op
- Ankle Arthroscopy with Lateral Ligament Repair Post-Op
- Ankle Arthroscopy with Microfracture Post-Op
- Ankle Arthroscopy with Peroneal Tendon Repair Post-Op
- Ankle Fracture Post-Op
- Ankle Hardware Removal Post-Op
- Ankle Scope with Microfracture Post-Op
- Ankle Calcaneus Fracture Post-Op
- Ankle Distal Fibula Fracture Post-Op (Gilmer) - Spanish
- Distal Fibula with Syndesmosis Fixation
Leg
Knee
- ACL Reconstruction with MCL Repair Post op Instructions
- ACL Reconstruction with Meniscus Repair and Microfracture Post op Instructions
- ACL Reconstruction with Meniscus Repair Postop Instructions
- ACL Reconstruction with Quadriceps AUTOGRAFT Post op Instructions
- ACL Repair with Meniscus Repair Post op Instructions
- Articular Cartilage ORIF Post op Instructions
- Bone Grafting of Tunnels Post op Instructions
- Cartiform Post op Instructions
- Derotational Femoral Osteotomy Post op Instructions
- Distal Femur FRACTURE Post op Instructions
- Distal Femur Osteotomy Post op Instructions
- Excision of Prepatellar Bursa Post op Instructions
- High Tibial Osteotomy Post op Instructions
- LCL Reconstruction Post op Instructions
- MCL Reconstruction Post op Instructions
- Meniscal Allograft Post op Instructions
- Meniscus Repair Post op Instructions
- Meniscus Repair with microfracture Post op Instructions
- Meniscus ROOT Repair Postop Instructions
- MPFL and TTO Instructions
- MPFL Post op Instructions
- MUA Post op Instructions
- OATS Post op Instructions
- Open Lateral Lengthening Post op Instructions
- Partial Meniscectomy Post op Instructions
- Patella Tendon Repair Post op Instructions
- PCL Reconstruction Post op Instructions
- Posterolateral Corner Reconstruction Post op Instructions
- Proximal Tibiofibular Joint Reconstruction Post op Instructions
- Quadriceps Tendon Repair Post op Instructions
- Removal of Hardware- Leg Postop Instructions
- Simple Knee Arthroscopy Post op Instructions
- Patellofemoral Joint Arthroplasty Post op Instructions
- Total Knee Arthroplasty Post op Instructions
- Unicompartment Knee Arthroplasty Post op Instructions
Arthroplasty
Hand
- CMC Arthroplasty Post-Op
- Hand Carpal Tunnel Post-Op
- Hand De Quervain's Post-Op
- Hand Extensor Tendon Repair Post-Op
- Hand Ganglion Excision Post-Op
- Hand Metacarpal Fracture Casting Post-Op
- Hand Metacarpal Fracture Post-Op
- Hand Percutaneous Scaphoid Post-Op
- Hand Tendon Repair, Transfer Post-Op
- Hand Thumb UCL Repair Post-Op
- Hand Trigger Post-Op
Wrist
Elbow
Shoulder
- Shoulder Clavicle ORIF Post-Op
- Shoulder AC Allograft Post-Op
- Shoulder AC Stabilization Post-Op
- Shoulder Bankart Post-Op
- Shoulder Hardware Removal Clavicle Post-Op
- Shoulder Hardware Removal Upper Extremity Post-Op
- Shoulder Micro Fracture Post-Op
- Shoulder Proximal Humerus ORIF Post-Op
- Shoulder RCR and Biceps Tenodesis Post-Op
- Shoulder Revision RCR and Biceps Tenodesis Post-Op
- Shoulder SAD and Biceps Tenodesis Post-Op
- Shoulder Clavicle ORIF Post-Op (Gilmer) - Spanish
- Shoulder RCR and Biceps Tenodesis Post-Op (Gilmer) - Spanish
Orthobiologics
Instrucciones postoperatorias en español(Spanish)
- Knee MCL ACL Post-Operative Instructions
- Knee Meniscectomy Post-Operative Instructions
- Knee Tibial Plateau Fracture Post Operative Instructions
- Knee Simple Scope Post Operative Instructions
- Knee Excision Prepatellar Bursa Post Operative Instructions
- Knee Meniscus Repair Post Operative Instructions
- Leg Distal Tibia Fibula Fx Post Operative Instructions
- PRP Patient Pre-Procedure Info
- Shoulder Bankart Post Operative Instructions
- Wrist Radius Ulna Fracture Post Operative Instructions
Photography courtesy of Dr. Tyler Williamson – Perfect Circles Photography – for more information or to purchase prints please visit – https://perfectcirclesphotography.com/
