Post-op

What you need to know

Going into surgery can be daunting, and the post-operative period may feel disorienting. Several important factors determine your readiness for discharge:

• Your pain is managed effectively with oral medications
• Your dressing remains dry and shows no complications
• A physiotherapist has assessed you as safe to mobilise independently
• Your bladder and bowels are functioning normally

Additional criteria specific to each operation apply.

“There are a few additional criteria specific to each operation. Have a read of the factsheets and please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions,” Dr Rhys Clark.

Total knee replacement post-op

Typically, you will remain hospitalised for two to four nights following a knee replacement. In some cases, extended stays in a rehabilitation ward may be necessary for additional physiotherapy support.

During your hospital stay, physiotherapists will provide exercise instructions for home completion. These exercises are crucial for optimal recovery and long-term outcomes.

Anterior hip replacement post-op

Following anterior approach total hip replacement, there are no post-operative movement restrictions. You may sleep in any position and bend forward freely.

A physiotherapist will provide exercises to perform at home three times daily to enhance joint mobility and strengthen supporting muscles. At your two-week review, ongoing physiotherapy support will be discussed.

Knee arthroscopy post-op

Knee arthroscopy is a day procedure lasting 15–30 minutes. Most patients return home within four to six hours of admission.

After waking in recovery, you will move to the lounge for eating and drinking. Dr Clark typically discusses procedure outcomes, and once pain is controlled and you have eaten, you will be discharged for home recovery.

ACL reconstruction post-op

ACL reconstruction requires a single overnight hospital stay. Discharge typically occurs before 10am the following morning with a knee splint and crutches.

The splint maintains knee extension and provides stability during muscle recovery. For the first five days, wear the splint primarily, though removing it three times daily for basic physiotherapy is beneficial.

Upon arriving home, rest for approximately two days to allow proper knee recovery.

Removal of lesion post-op

After lesion removal, you wake in recovery and transfer to the lounge once recovered. Following pain control and light refreshment, you will be discharged. You must arrange for someone to collect you as you cannot drive.

For procedures requiring overnight stay, you will spend one night on the ward before discharge, typically before 10am the next morning.