GENERIC ORTHOPEDIC POST OP INSTRUCTIONS
After surgery you will be given specific instructions. The following are very
basic orders, and you would need physician instruction to clarify dressing instructions,
appointments and whether to take anti-inflammatory medication.
When to call your doctor:
-Severe, unrelenting pain in the operated site
-Swelling that is not helped with ice and elevation
-If your fingers/toes become blanched white or bluish in color and feel cool
to touch
-If you develop a fever of 101 degrees, with chills and/or flu-like symptoms
Take medication for pain as directed by the label on the prescription bottle.
Pain pills should be taken with food as they can cause nausea. Drink and eat
plenty of fluids and fruits to help avoid constipation. Plan ahead, as pain
prescriptions are not refilled after office hours or on weekends.
Do not drink alcohol, drive a vehicle, sign a legal document, or be responsible
for a minor the first 24 hours post surgery due to the sedatives and/or anesthesia
received during surgery.
Activity: rest for the first couple of days with operated extremity elevated
on pillows above the heart to control swelling. Use the extremity as able, using
common sense. It is important to move it to increase blood circulation and prevent
joint stiffness.
Use ice to control swelling. Apply ice for 20 minutes each hour, making sure
ice bag does not leak into dressing.
Loosen the ace wrap if any numbness or tingling continues after 24 hours post
surgery.
Do not remove dressing. Keep it clean and dry. The original dressings need to
remain in place at least the first 48 hours. Some bleeding is to be expected
from the surgical incision, and the dressing may need to be reinforced. If necessary
remove the ace wrap, place new dressing over the original dressing, and reapply
the ace wrap.
Diet: advance to regular foods as tolerated.
Make your follow-up appointment with your physician as instructed.
