Post-Operative Care Instructions: Total Knee and Hip

Diet: Continue Regular diet or ADA diet if diabetic. Showering and wound care: You may shower if your sutures or staples have been removed prior to discharge. If your sutures remain intact, keep dry and covered with a bandage. Change dressing as needed. Pain Management: You will be provided with a prescription for continued pain control upon discharge. Take your medication as directed. If you are having difficulties or would like a refill of your medication you may call the office during working hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30-4:30. Calls received after 2:00 PM may not be answered until the following day. Prescription refills will not be filled after hours, weekends, or holidays. Activity: Total Knee Patients Continue weight bearing as tolerated. Prior to discharge home make sure Physical Therapy has been set up for outpatient or home health. Initially, we typically recommend therapy 3 times a week for the first 4 weeks. Final length to be determined at follow up visits. Physical Therapy is located at Gill Orthopaedic Clinic for your conveniance. You may make an appointment by calling our office at the number below. Continue use of your walker or crutches until directed by your therapist or our office. Do not drive until evaluated during follow up. This is typically 6-8 weeks after your surgery. Activity: Total Hip Patients Continue weight bearing as directed during your hospital stay: 50% for non-cemented hips and full weight bearing for cemented hips. Continue strict dislocations precautions: 1.) No flexion at your hip greater than 60 degrees 2.) No internal rotation or turning your toes in 3.) No adduction or crossing your leg beyond the midline of your body. Typically, patients do not require formal Physical Therapy. Occasionally, some patients do require therapy and this will be discussed prior to discharge. Continue the exercises shown to you by the therapist during your hospital stay. Do not drive until evaluated during follow up. This is typically 6-8 weeks after your surgery. Anticoagulation: You will continue one of two forms of anticoagulation (blood thinning) when you leave the hospital for 4 weeks. This is in an effort to help avoid a DVT or blood clot. You will take a coated aspirin at 325mg per day or Coumadin, with an adjusted dose. Continue wearing the TED hose (stockings) for 4 weeks. Follow-up Appointments: Knee patients will return to the clinic in 4 weeks and hip patients in 6 weeks. If an appointment has not been given prior to discharge, call the office when you get home. When to call the office: Fever over 101 degrees, chills. Drainage from the wound that has increased or changed colors. Redness in the foot, leg, or calf. Chest pain or difficulty breathing. Please do not hesitate to call our office with any question you may have.704-342-3544.