Post-Operative Instruction Sheet for Lower Extremity

Thank you for using Carondelet Orthopaedic Surgeons to provide medical care for your needs.

• Following your operative procedure, you will be allowed to go home with the assistance of another individual and should remain at home unless emergency situations arise for approximately 48 hours. During this time, it would be beneficial for you to elevate your leg on a pillow or cushion and apply ice for approximately twenty minutes every hour or two while you are awake. This is not necessary through the night.
  
  
• You may move around your house to provide the basic activities of daily living, such as going to the bathroom or eating. Advance your activities as tolerated. If your weight bearing is limited, utilize crutches and/or walker as needed. Call your physician if you are unsure of your weight bearing status. If your dressing constricts your blood flow unwrap the ace and split the soft dressing from the knee down until comfortable (do not remove entire dressing).
  
  
• IF YOU ARE IN A SPLINT OR CAST DO NOT GET IT WET OR REMOVE IT WITHOUT THE PHYSICIAN’S OKAY – WAIT UNTIL YOUR APPOINTMENT TO REMOVE. Otherwise as far as showering goes, we usually recommend showering after a 48 hour period. All of the dressings - EXCEPT SPLINT OR CAST - should be removed for showering, and water and soap can run across the wounds on occasion, without fear of complications. However, we do not want the wounds submerged or immersed below water in the tub or a whirlpool of any kind until the physician gives the okay. After showering, you may dry the wounds with a towel, cover them with band-aids and wrap the area if desired. NO USE OF ANY OINTMENTS – PLEASE.
  
  
• It is not unusual for your dressing to soak through with bleeding. If it is excessive, it is permissible to remove the ace and put gauze pads or clean washcloth over the spotted area to reinforce it. If the bleeding is not stopped uncover the entire dressing and reinforce the spot that is draining and cover it with gauze under the ace wrap to prevent bleeding. If this does not curtail the bleeding and the bleeding persists to a large degree, or if there is great uncertainty as to the safety of this (such as placement of cast or splint), then of course call your physician.
  
  
• Pain medication will be given and should be administered according to the instructions on the prescription. It is usual for people to require pain medications every 4-6 hours if they are in pain. It is not unusual to experience nausea and constipation, and sometimes drowsiness with narcotic pain medications. If any of these are occurring to an uncomfortable level, then cut back on the amount of pain medication or stop taking it and call your physician. A stool softener may be helpful for constipation while taking pain medications. This is an over-the-counter product.
  
  
• An appointment is usually required following your operative procedure. This may occur anywhere from ten to fourteen days following your operative procedure, depending upon the instructions of your physician. It is important that you call the office following the operation to make an appointment to follow your progress.

PHONE 913 642 0200

09/2010