Your Recovery

Good pain management is important in the early recovery and rehabilitation from your surgery. We expect some discomfort, but aim to avoid severe pain. If you are not in plaster or splinted, it is important that you are able to move what has been operated on through a range of motion.

In most cases we recommend a combination of medications including regular paracetamol and anti-inflammatories (if tolerated). You may also be prescribed some stronger pain medication.

Begin the pain medicine as you start getting uncomfortable, but before you are in severe pain. If you until the pain is severe, you will have more difficulty controlling the pain.

Ice packs are very helpful in the first few weeks to reduce both pain and swelling. Apply ice regularly for 20-30 minutes, but be careful not to ‘burn’ the skin if too cold.

All surgical wounds should be covered and kept dry. If you have any concerns with your wounds or dressing check with your surgeon.

DRESSING CARE

Keep the bulky outer bandages on for the first 2-3 days. The small waterproof dressings directly over the wounds should remain intact (or can be replaced if bloody or coming loose) until your appointment in 7-10 days.

DO NOT GET YOUR SURGICAL WOUNDS WET

You may take a brief shower if the waterproof dressings are intact. If they do lose their seal, they will need to be replaced with a clean dressing on dry skin.  Do not soak in a bath, pool or spa.

HIP AND KNEE REPLACEMENT

A waterproof dressing (“comfeel”) with be on your wound at discharge from hospital. This should be left intact for 3 weeks after surgery and can then be removed at home.
You are able to shower normally, but do not soak in a bath or spa.

Following many Orthopaedic procedures, formal physiotherapy plays an important role in achieving an optimal outcome, and return to function. Please advise our rooms if you have already been seeing a physiotherapist as we value ongoing relationships to maximize patient outcomes. Alternatively, we can recommend an experienced physiotherapist from our network, depending upon your specific needs and location. For patients having Knee & Hip Replacement surgery, regular therapy in or out of the home can be arranged. We encourage hydrotherapy, but suggest this should be delayed at least 3 weeks, or until all wounds are completely healed.

The ability to return to driving depends on numerous factors including the type of surgery and the rate of recovery. Minimum recommendations include:

Knee Arthroscopy
2-3 days
ACL reconstruction
3-4 weeks
Joint Replacement
6 weeks
After this period, each individual’s choice to resume driving should only be made when he or she feels confident to be able to control the vehicle safely.