Discharge Instructions
Incision Care
Most of you will have absorbable sutures.
For Knees: You will have mesh-like dressing and dry gauze roll and ACE wrap. ACE wrap and gauze roll should be removed 3 days after the surgery. Mesh-like dressing should be left alone. You can take shower on the third day.
For hips: you will have water-proof dressing called Aquacel or Mepilex. This dressing will remain until you see me at 2 week follow up. You can take shower right away.
If you have staples or non-absorbable sutures, they will be removed at 2 weeks
If you have soaked or compromised dressing and/or continues to have drainage, please call my office to be seen earlier.
Activities
Most of you will be weightbearing as tolerated (unless specified otherwise), meaning that you can put full weight on the operative site.
In the beginning, you will use a walker for ambulation and stay away from heavy activities. However, try to walk every hour or so (just to go to bathroom or walk around in the living room) to prevent blood clot.
Elevate the extremity above your heart as much as you can to relieve swelling.
Driving
For the first two weeks, I do not want you to drive
Warnings
Please call my office (717-560-4200) when you have the following
Fever up to 101.5 on two separate occasions
Uncontrollable pain and swelling
Draining from the incision
Please go to the emergency room if you have the following
Chest pain or Shortness of breath