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Total Joint Precautions
While recovering from surgery, you will follow specific precautions provided to you by your therapists. These precautions allow you to heal properly and help prevent potential complications. Make sure to ask your surgeon when it is safe to stop following these precautions.
Knee
• Do not pivot or twist your operated leg.
• Do not kneel or squat.
Hip
Note: Precautions may vary, depending on the surgical approach. Your surgeon and therapist will discuss your specific precautions. General precautions are as follows:
• Do not bend your operated leg beyond a 90 degree angle.
• Do not pivot or twist your operated leg.
• Do not cross your operated leg or ankle.
The Days Following Surgery
Your goal is to keep moving. We encourage you to get up for meals, go to the bathroom, and get out of bed – all with assistance. You will continue to have therapy, and your activity level will be increased. Your IVs will be discontinued and removed once you are drinking enough fluids. Pain is an expected part of recovery. Pain levels vary per person. We will give you cold packs or wraps to manage your pain and reduce swelling. Oral pain medication will be prescribed for you and available at discharge. While in the hospital, we will ask you to rate your level of pain several times a day. It’s important to tell us if you’ve had any problems with any pain medications in the past. Knowing this will help us better manage your pain.
Medication
After surgery, we will give you medication to thin your blood. This medication, also called an anti-coagulant, lessens the chance of harmful clots forming in your blood vessels. Blood-thinning drugs may be given by mouth or by injection.
Your Hospital Discharge
Discharge planning starts the moment you decide to have surgery. One of the first things you need to do is arrange a ride for the day of your discharge. Most patients are ready to be discharged from the hospital one to three days after surgery; however, specific criteria must be met. You will be discharged from the hospital when:
• Your medical condition is stable.
• You are able to eat and urinate.
• Your pain is controlled with oral pain medication.
• Your home is prepared for your safety.
• You successfully met physical and occupational therapy goals. See Recovery/Rehabilitation Process section.
If you have not met the criteria to be discharged home, you will be discharged to a skilled nursing facility. We will contact the facility to arrange an arrival time.
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