Orthopedic associates of Dutchess County physicians have collaborated on some general guidelines for post-op care. These Post-Operative Instructions are general guidelines that can be used following surgery for most patients. Since, every case is unique and your surgeon will give you further or differing instructions please follow his or her guidelines. The timeline for recovery may vary from case to case. Please follow all instructions that your surgeon gave you during your pre- and/or post-operative visit, as he or she may have tailored the general instructions to fit your needs.

What to expect

• In the recovery room you may experience mild nausea, disorientation, and occasionally shivering.
• The stitches that have been used to close the surgical incisions will be covered by sterile gauze pads.
• The surgeon may also indicate when you should plan to see a physical therapist after leaving the hospital/surgical center.
• Your surgeon may have prescribed a sling or brace.
• Be sure to use your equipment as instructed. If you were given a set of exercises, be sure to start them according to your surgeon's indications.

Post-op Expectations

• Swelling will occur after your surgery.
• While it is a normal response to the surgery, it can contribute to your pain.
• If your surgery is of the ankle, knee, elbow or wrist, keeping the limb elevated above your heart will help.
• If you had shoulder surgery, opening and closing your hand and/or bending and straightening the elbow repetitively is helpful.
• If your Tensor elastic wrap feels too tight, feel free to remove it and rewrap a bit looser.
• This will prevent the swelling from localizing near the surgical site.
• Some discomfort and bruising is to be expected following surgery.
• The muscles atrophy and motion is often difficult.
• You may experience a variety of transient symptoms in the area of the wounds, including itchiness, increased sensitivity to touch, and numbness.

Activities/Driving/Return to Work/Bathing

• You may return to your regular activities as directed by your surgeon, the post-op rehab protocol and as pain allows.
• You should continue to use any braces, splints, slings and immobilizers until specifically told otherwise by your surgeon.
• You may drive when cleared by your surgeon.
• You may return to work as soon as you feel able and performing your regular job is possible given your specific post-op restrictions.
• You may begin to shower 2-4 days after surgery.
• Remove the dressings (except the skin tapes), shower quickly, dry carefully and reapply clean dressing.
• If your doctor has instructed you to keep the area dry, try taping a plastic bag around the area while showering.
• Even after your doctor has said that you may get the area wet, do not scrub the area.
• Let the water run over the incisions and wash gently with soap and water, pat dry, and cover with a dry dressing until the stitches, staples or steri-strips have been removed.
• Do not swim, use a hot tub, whirlpool, or any other communal facility until the surgical scars are well healed.

Fever/Infection

A low-grade fever is not uncommon. If you develop a significant fever, or if you develop redness or excess drainage from your incision(s), call your surgeon’s office immediately for further instructions.

Follow Up Appointments

If you have not already scheduled your follow up appointment, please call your surgeon’s medical assistant to do so.