Consult with your orthopaedic surgeon because each case is unique. Be sure to do physical therapy exactly as your doctor instructs for the best results.
When can I take off my dressing?
Arthroscopic surgery: Dressings can be removed on the afternoon following your surgery. Afterwards put band-aids over your small incisions. In general, you can shower three days after arthroscopic surgery. If you a have a pain pump, you should not shower until the pain pump catheter has been removed.
Open surgical procedures: Total joint arthroplasty and some other open procedures require longer incisions. These dressings can be removed after 48 hours. The incisions should be then covered with a sterile dry dressing until your first visit. Do not put any lotions, salves, or ointments on your incisions for the first month unless instructed to do so by your physician.
What should I expect at my first postoperative visit?
At your first visit you will have your sutures or staples removed and the incisions checked for healing. We will also review the surgical findings and post-operative treatment plan again with you at this time. Your exact treatment plan may vary depending on the operative findings.
When should I be seen again after surgery?
For outpatient or arthroscopic surgery, you should be seen back in 5-10 days. For inpatient surgery, such as joint replacements, you should be seen back 2 weeks from the date of surgery. Subsequently, patients are typically seen again at 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year or until they have completely recovered. Some patients may require closer monitoring and other will need less follow up depending on their type of surgery. Joint replacement patients should be seen on an annual basis for follow-up X-rays.
When can I swim?
Swimming is excellent exercise. In general it is best to wait 4 weeks before returning to the pool to allow your tissues to heal and prevent infection. After shoulder surgery you will be restricted longer if you have had a rotator cuff repair, labral repair, or shoulder stabilization.
When should I use heat or go in a hot tub?
Avoid heat for the first month and do not submerge your operative arm or leg in a hot tub or pool for the first 4 weeks.
When can I drive?
Return to driving depends upon the type of surgery you have. Each individual also will have different comfort levels. Your safety is most important. Your reaction times will be impaired for at least several weeks. Your return after knee surgery will be quicker if you do not use the operative leg to drive. Otherwise, you should have good strength, flexibility, and comfort before returning to the road. If you are in a shoulder immobilizer, you can use the arm to stabilize the wheel, but not to turn. You also will not be able to use a stick if your arm is immobilized. After a joint replacement it may be several months before you can comfortably and safely drive a car. These guidelines relate to the safety from a surgical standpoint. You should check local laws with regards to liability.
How long should I use ice or the ice machine?
The ice machine or bag of ice is most useful in the first 2-3 days. You should intermittently apply the cold therapy for 2-3 hours and then allow an hour break. After the first 3 days, use ice as you desire. Many people find it beneficial and say that it relieves their discomfort. Avoid applying heat for the first month after surgery.
How long should I use crutches, a cane, or a walker?
If you have had arthroscopy for debridement (cleaning up) of the cartilage or meniscus you can put full weight on your leg the day of surgery. Crutches can be used for a few days for comfort and discarded as desired. For a meniscus repair or ligament reconstruction, use your crutches until your first postoperative visit. This will give you added support and protection. You can also put full weight on your leg as comfort permits unless instructed otherwise. With joint replacement surgery, a walker, crutches, or cane will be used as needed for the first few weeks or months.
How long should I wear the sling or immobilizer?
If you have had a rotator cuff repair, labral repair, or shoulder stabilization for instability you should keep your immobilizer on except for showering. When showering, keep your operative arm at your side. After your first postoperative visit, you will be allowed to remove the immobilizer while relaxing around the house as long as you keep the arm at your side. If you have had a rotator cuff repair or shoulder stabilization you should flex and extend your wrist and elbow intermittently throughout the day so that they do not become stiff. If you have had a decompression or debridement without repair, you can remove the sling as comfort permits. You may find that wearing the sling when you are in public places prevents others from bumping your arm or shoulder and makes you more comfortable.
