Post-Operative Instruction Sheet for Upper 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 24 hours. During this time, it would be beneficial for you to elevate your arm on a pillow or cushion and apply ice for approximately ten 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 dressing is constricting blood flow unwrap the ace and split the dressing from the elbow down until comfortable – do not remove the entire soft dressing. Range of motion of your fingers, elbow and shoulder is very important. Please continue to exercise your fingers and elbow as your splint permits.
  
  
• As far as showering goes, we recommend covering the dressing or splint with a plastic bag and securing ends to not allow any seepage of water. 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. Keep sutures and staples dry until removal in office with physician okay. IF YOU ARE IN A SPLINT DO NOT GET THE SPLINT WET OR REMOVE IT WITHOUT THE PHYSICIAN’S OKAY.
  
  
• If your dressing should soak through with bleeding, unless this bleeding is excessive this is not an unusual event. It is permissible to remove the outer layer only and gently apply pressure. If the bleeding is not stopped continue to apply pressure, 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, 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, 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. Do not drink alcohol, use any illicit drugs, drive, or make any important decisions while taking pain medications. If you have any questions, please call the doctor on call.
  
  
• 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 and make an appointment to follow your progress.

PHONE 913 642 0200

06/2011