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HOME RECOVERY AND REHAB

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PROVIDER DISCHARGE CRITERIA

You need to have:

Adequate pain control
Toleration of regular food and fluids
Stable vital signs
Good results from blood lab values
Satisfactory mobility performance with a walker
A friend or family member to transport you

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PNEUMONIA PREVENTION

Incentive Spirometer

Support optimal recovery
A respiratory therapist will come in on the day or night of surgery to teach you how to use this device

Goal: EVERY HOUR

Use incentive spirometer 10 times
Cough x 3

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Recovery Schedule	2-4 Weeks	4-6 Weeks	6-12 Weeks
Appointment with Surgeon	Yes	Yes	Yes
Outpatient Physical Therapy	2-3 x per week	1-2 x per week	On Your Own
Pain Meds: Opioids and Over the Counter (OTC)	Opioids + OTC	OTC	OTC
Assistive Device	Walker	Cane	Not Needed
Personal Hygiene	Shower Only	Shower Only	Bath/Hot Tub
Driving (as directed by surgeon)	No	No	Yes
Long Car Rides / Air Travel (as directed by surgeon)	No	No	Yes

Post-Operative Recovery Schedule

In the first 2-4 weeks:

You will have a few follow up appointments with your surgeon

Knee replacements and Dr. Innes hip replacements will be going to outpatient physical therapy 2-3 times a week

That frequency will be determined with your, the surgeon and physical therapist

You could be taking prescription and over the counter pain medications

You will more than likely be using your walker

Showers only at this point to help keep your incision protected from infection

There is a strong change you will not be released to drive during this time but your surgeon will go over that with you after surgery as your progress with therapy.

You will want to discuss any long distance car rides with your surgeon and not plan any plane rides.

During weeks 5-6:

You will still have follow up appointments with your surgeon but less frequently

Knees will be going to outpatient physical therapy should be cutting down physical therapy appointments to 1-2 times a week

That frequency will be determined with your, the surgeon and physical therapist

Dr. Reyes hip replacements will be starting physical therapy in this time frame

Prescription pain medications are likely no long needed but over the counter pain medications can still be utilized as needed.

Hopefully you will have transitioned off the walker and move towards a cane if you still need a device

Showers only still to help keep your incision protected from infection as it is still closing

Your surgeon will let you know if driving is allowed yet or not.

You will want to discuss any long distance car rides with your surgeon and not plan any plane rides.

The last phase are weeks 7-12:

You might have a couple of appointments if any at this point.

All outpatient physical therapy appointments should be wrapping up by this time but you still have work to do at home.

Over the counter pain medications can still be utilized as needed.

You should not need any physical aids to help you walk unless you are having issues with the other leg.

You are free to resume all other activities such as swimming, hot tub, baths, driving, long trips and plane rides ☺

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SUMMARY

Watch for signs of an infection around your surgical site

Monitor your temperature daily
Call a Joint Program Coordinator or the clinic if your temp gets above 101.3 degrees

Avoid touching your incision site once the dressing is removed
Do not submerge your surgical leg in water until 6 weeks after surgery
Walk in moderation then rest with leg elevated and keep using cold therapy on surgical leg
Use your incentive spirometer regularly until you are walking more frequently
Walk or do your ankle pumps to help prevent a DVT