Recovering from Orthopedic Surgery: What to expect

Snapshot:

• After your orthopedic surgery, you will be given a walker to help you ambulate safely

• Pain medications, medication to prevent blood clots, and nerve pain medication will be provided

• Stool softeners will also be provided to help with constipation that can be caused by your pain medication

• A home healthcare company will come to your house the next day to check on you and perform light range of motion exercises

• You will have an appointment to see the doctor at two weeks post-surgery for x-rays, removal of your bandage and a referral for outpatient physical therapy if necessary

After your orthopedic surgery, it's important to know what to expect during your recovery. Whether you've had a knee or hip replacement, there are certain steps that you can expect to take in order to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. In this article, we'll discuss some of the most important things to know about postoperative care after your orthopedic procedure.

Getting You Moving

First and foremost, when you're ready to leave the hospital and go home, you'll be given a walker. This is the most stable and helpful device for getting up and ambulating in the early stages of recovery. It will help you walk safely and reduce the risk of falls. You may transition to a cane when you are ready to do so.

Medications

In addition to the walker, you'll be given pain medications to help manage your pain during recovery. You'll also be provided with medication that will help prevent blood clots. Blood clots are a serious risk after surgery, and your doctor will help you to minimize this risk.

You'll be provided with a nerve pain medication that you'll take at night for the first two weeks. This will help with your sleep at night and alleviate any nerve pain or discomfort that you may experience. Additionally, you'll be given stool softeners to help with any constipation that can be caused by the pain medication.

Home Healthcare and Physical Therapy

When you get home, a home healthcare company will be set up to come to your house the next day. This company will contact you before your surgery to discuss recovery. They will then call you the evening of your surgery once you've gotten home and provide you with a time that you can expect their first visit at your house the very next day. They will visit two to three times a week to check on your recovery, check your bandage and perform some light range of motion exercises.

You will also be given an incisional wound vac bandage which uses new technology to pull fluid from the incision if there is any present. Typically there will not be any leakage, but if there is, it's usually not a major concern.

Appointments

At two weeks post-surgery, you will have an appointment to see the doctor. At this appointment, you will receive further directions on what to expect during your recovery and the bandage will be removed.

If you have undergone a knee replacement, you will start six weeks of outpatient physical therapy. If you have undergone a hip replacement, physical therapy is not necessary and you will be given another six weeks to recover on your own.

It's important to remember that recovery from orthopedic surgery takes time and patience. By understanding what to expect during your recovery, you can better prepare yourself and ensure a smooth and successful recovery.