After Discharge

Discharge from the hospital usually occurs within seven to ten days of surgery, depending on surgical wound healing, progress in physical therapy and complications. At discharge, medication is prescribed for pain. Patients may also be given an antibiotic to prevent or treat infection, an anticoagulant to prevent blood clots, and medication to prevent ectopic, or abnormal bone formation.

Pain and discomfort after discharge is natural considering the physical trauma patients have endured. The pain will increase and decrease at different times and affect various areas of the body. Dull pain is common during the first couple of weeks, and patients might also hear an occasional click or "pop" in the joint. New-numbness and a tingling sensation are common around the incision area. However, patients experiencing severe and consistent pain and/or discoloration of any kind should consult with the doctor.

• try moving around every now and then to prevent stiffness
• use a pillow as a cushion if sitting is uncomfortable
• when sleeping or resting in bed, use a pillow for support, under your knees while on your back and between your legs while on your side
• maintain as active and normal a lifestyle as possible, within the limits of allowed weight bearing and pain.

Following trauma, patients very often feel depressed, asking themselves why they were singled out for injury. Patients need to ask for and receive support from family and friends. To provide additional support, names and phone numbers of patients who have already experienced this can be obtained from our office.

Diet should include adequate protein to rebuild damaged tissue and atrophied muscles.

In most cases patients should continue regular therapy with a physical therapist to regain motion and muscle strength. With compliance, a patient could show as much as 80% recovery at 6 months post surgery and a full recovery at one year. Follow-up outpatient visits are also necessary to allow progress to be monitored by x-ray and physical examination. Patients will be advised during these visits about future care and what physical activities are recommended.