Instructions after Hand Surgery
Dressings:
You have soft dressings and/or a plaster splint covering the operative site. The dressings should remain in place until you see the doctor at your post-operative appointment. The dressing provides some compression and will absorb any leakage of fluid and/or blood. The dressing should be comfortable and motion of your finger outside of the dressings will help avoid swelling. If dressings become soiled, DO NOT BE ALARMED. You may reinforce the dressing or notify the office, and you will be given further instructions.
Splints:
Some of you may have a splint in place along with your dressings after surgery. The splint is in place in order to limit or prohibit motion of the affected digit. The splint should be comfortable but it may also be heavy. If the splint feels too tight, you can call the office for advice on reapplying the dressings.
Pain Management:
It is normal to expect some pain and swelling after your surgical procedure. You will be given a prescription for pain medication when you are discharged. An ice bag to the affected area may also be helpful in decreasing swelling and discomfort in the first 48 hours. Elevation of the limb is also encouraged to decrease swelling.
Wounds:
Your wound should remain clean and dry with the dressings in place. It is normal to have some bruising over and around the operative site. Itching over the incision may also be present. This is a normal part of the healing process.
Bathing:
Bathing or soaking of the affected limb should not occur until after sutures are removed, unless otherwise told by the physician. If the dressing becomes accidentally wet, remove the dressing and reapply sterile gauze bandages and contact our office for further instructions. Covering the limb with a plastic bag while bathing is most helpful in keeping the dressings dry. TUB BATHING OR SOAKING OF THE WOUND SHOULD BE AVOIDED UNTIL THE WOUND IS FULLY HEALED.
Activity:
Your activity will be limited in the post-operative period according to the procedure you have had. You may use fingers which are free of the dressings and arm for daily activities to prevent stiffness. AVOID LIFTING AND MODIFY USE OF THE AFFECTED ARM UNTIL SUTURES ARE REMOVED.
Precautions:
Nausea and dizziness is sometimes present after anesthesia and usually resolves in a day or so. IF VOMITING PERSISTS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL US. Early post-operative problems could be manifested by unusual pain (unrelieved by prescriptions), temperature elevation (above 101), or progressive swelling or bleeding. These are not very common but if present, please contact our office for further evaluation or report to an emergency room. Our phone # is (610) 527-9000.
Re-Examination:
Most patients are usually seen about 7-10 days after surgery for dressing change, wound inspection and suture removal. Some patients may be fitted for a splint or have a cast applied depending on the procedure you had performed.
Instructions after Total Knee Surgery
- During the first 4 weeks after Total Knee Replacement and until your first post-operative visit …
- Continue to wear your elastic anti-embolism stocking until your first post-operative visit with your surgeon.
- Take showers instead of baths.
- Do not suddenly turn, twist, or squat at the knee.
- When in bed, do not place a pillow under or behind your knee, instead place the pillow under your ankle. This helps to straighten your knee.
- Continue to do your exercises that you learned at the hospital and rehabilitation center.
- Continue to use your crutches, walker, or cane unless otherwise directed.
- If planning time in the sun, use a sun block (SPF 15 or greater) on your scar.
- Driving is not permitted unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Traveling in a car is permitted as long as the seats are not low. Stop often (every 2 hours) and walk around for a few minutes.
- Don't be upset or surprised if you experience post-operative "blue days" while at home. You have undergone major surgery and will be exhausted with minimal activity. You will feel disappointed at times. Rest up, and enjoy letting someone else help out with your duties!!
- Before dental work or surgery, please call the office for a prescription of prophylactic antibiotics. This is to prevent infection in your reconstructed knee.
- Call your doctor immediately if you have increased knee pain, leg swelling, incision drainage, chest pain, or shortness of breadth.
Later on…
- Avoid rough and high demand activities such as running, racquet sports, jumping, and skiing. You may walk, swim, golf, and bicycle.
- You may keep your cane handy for long walks or when walking on uneven terrain.
- You may cross your legs and kneel when comfortable.
- Your knee may feel warm to the touch and appear swollen for several months after surgery. Your knee may also click from time to time. This is also normal, and will gradually decrease as your knee becomes stronger. If your are still concerned, please call our office.
- Your prosthesis (metal implant) should not activate normal airport or security metal detectors. If it is detected, just explain that you have had a total joint replacement.
- Do not forget to notify your doctors that you have an artificial knee implant. You may need to take a short course of antibiotics to prevent infection if you are going to have dental work or surgery.
Instructions after Total Hip Surgery
- During the first 6 weeks after Total Knee Replacement and until your first post-operative visit …
- Continue to place a regular pillow between your legs when turning over in bed.
- Continue to use your elastic anti-embolism stockings until your first post-operative visit with your
Use your raised toilet seat at home.
- Choose a chair with armrests that is not too low or too soft for your use at home.
- Take showers instead of baths.
- Do not suddenly turn, twist, or reach to the floor.
- Do not cross your legs at the knees or the ankles.
- If planning time in the sun, use a sunblock (SPF 15 or greater) on your scar.
- Driving is not permitted unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Travelling in a car is permitted as long as the seats are not low. Stop often (every 2 hours) and walk around for a few minutes.
- Don't be upset or surprised if you experience post-operative "blue days" while at home. You have undergone major surgery and will be exhausted with minimal activity. You will feel disappointed at times. Rest up, and enjoy letting someone else help out with your duties!!
- Before dental work or surgery, please call the office for a prescription of prophylactic antibiotics. This is to prevent infection in your reconstructed hip.
- Call your doctor immediately if you have increased hip pain, leg swelling, incision drainage, chest pain, or shortness of breadth.
Later on…
- Avoid rough and high demand activities such as running, racquet sports, jumping, and skiing. You may walk, swim, and golf.
- You may keep your cane handy for long walks or when walking on uneven terrain.
- You may cross your legs at the ankles. Never cross your legs at the knees!!
- You may lie on your operated side.
- Your prosthesis (metal implant) should not activate normal airport or security metal detectors. If it is detected, just explain that you have had a total joint replacement.
- Do not forget to notify your doctors that you have an artificial hip implant. You may need to take a short course of antibiotics to prevent infection if you are going to have dental work or surgery.