Post Op Instructions

General Instructions

Follow up appointments (for same-day surgery) are usually two weeks after your surgery unless otherwise instructed. If you do not have a follow up appointment scheduled prior to your surgery please call to schedule one within a day or two following your operation. Soft dressings, splints, and casts should be left on until your follow up appointment. Please keep your dressings dry and clean. If they get wet for any reason please notify our office as soon as possible. Our phone number is (865) 524-0054. Wet casts and dressings should not be left on your operative site, for this may increase the chance of infection.

Physical Therapy

Your appointment with physical therapy may begin the day following your surgery, and if you have any questions concerning your appointment contact our office at the above phone number. Please adhere to all of your pre-operative instructions concerning wearing casts, braces, etc.
There is a normal swelling that occurs after surgery and if your cast or brace becomes too tight please call for instructions. It is also quite normal to experience a low-grade temperature (99 to 100.5degrees) following surgery. We encourage the use of Tylenol 650mg one or two every six hours as needed to control your temperature unless you have had an allergy to Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in the past. Please contact our office if you develop a fever of 100.5 degrees or higher.

Medications

It is common to experience some nausea and vomiting after surgery, especially if general anesthesia was required for your operation. If your nausea continues after the first 36 hours contact our office for instructions. Pain medications may also add to your stomach irritation as well as cause constipation. If you do not experience a bowel movement within three days after your surgery and have tried over-the-counter laxatives contact our office. You may return to taking your previously prescribed medications after your surgery unless you were otherwise instructed.

Narcotic Medications

Hovis Orthopaedics provides narcotic pain medicines post-operatively only, and it is our policy that refills will not be called in to pharmacies after office hours or on the weekends. Narcotic medicines are intended for short-term use only and we encourage you to only use them when absolutely necessary. Abuse of these medicines and fraudulent refills will result in termination of care and possible prosecution.

Patient's Responsibility

Hovis Orthopaedics strives to provide the best possible care for you during and after your surgery. The practice of medicine; however, is a partnership and requires your dedication in participating in and following instructions from your surgeon and his staff. If you are unable to attend your physical therapy or office appointments for any reason please contact us at (865) 524-0054. We appreciate your questions and concerns and will return your calls as promptly as possible.