Post-Operative Instructions – Hip Arthroscopy

• Remove the dressing on post op day 2 and apply band aids to incisions.
• Apply additional dressings as needed for continuing drainage.
• Walk with crutches at all times. You may place ONLY 20 lbs. of weight on the operated leg.
• Physical therapy appointment should begin the following day, or when pain allows.
• Therapy as per Dr Jackson’s protocol. Have therapist contact our office with any questions, and please make sure your therapist has Dr Jackson’s protocol.
• Use the continuous passive motion (CPM) machine at least 4 hours per days. Motion can begin at 30-70 degrees, and progress to 0-90 degrees as soon as possible. If CPM is not available or if you prefer stationary bicycle, you may replace CPM with stationary bicycling for at least 2 hours per day, on the lowest setting and using your other leg to move operated hip
• Wear the brace outside of clothes for 2 weeks unless told otherwise. May remove for shower. Wear at night for 2 weeks. If the brace is to be worn for 6 weeks, it can be removed for sleep after 2 weeks
• Please do not use bacitracin or other ointments under the bandage. Use the cryocuff or ice packs as often as possible, and at least 30 minutes four times per day. An ace wrap may be used to help you control swelling. Do not wrap the ace too thickly or the cryocuff will not penetrate
• You may shower on post-op day #5 if the incisions are dry. Gently pat the area dry after showering
• Do not soak the hip in a tub or go swimming in the pool or ocean until your incisions are healed, at least two weeks after surgery.
• Driving:
  • If surgery was on your right hip, driving is not permitted until after you are released from crutches by Dr. Jackson, usually at your post-op visit. If surgery was on your left hip, driving is not permitted before post-op day #5, and then only if you have stopped taking pain medicine and feel you can drive safely.
• Please call the office to schedule a follow up appointment 10-14 days after surgery if you do not already have an appointment scheduled
• If you develop a fever (101.5°), redness or drainage from the surgical incision site, please call our office to arrange for evaluation
• You may experience some low back pain due to muscle spasm from epidural, anesthesia or traction. If so, apply an ice pack to the area and take analgesics as prescribed
• Take Asprin 325mg twice daily x 6 weeks. Take as directed to prevent blood clots. If you have any difficulty taking NSAID’s due to gastrointestinal problems, alternative medications will be used. If stomach pain or bleeding develops while taking these medications, discontinue and call the office
• Discontinue narcotic pain meds when pain is controlled
• Over the counter Colace or Milk of Magnesium is recommended to prevent constipation that can occur from narcotic pain medication.