POST-OP INFORMATION

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is an integral part of the recovery.  Surgery can result in joint stiffness, muscle wasting and immobility.  Physiotherapy is important in restoring movement, regaining strength and improving function. You will be advised when to commence physiotherapy after surgery.  For shoulder operations, this will be once you are no longer required to wear the sling.

The patient should perform their rehabilitation exercises regularly at home with intermittent supervision by their physiotherapist.

Wound Management

Your wound will be generally closed with dissolving sutures. Your dressings are water resistant and should tolerate showering. If they become soaked you should replace them. You can remove the dressings after ten days for keyhole surgery such as knee arthroscopy, rotator cuff repairs or shoulder stabilisation.  For knee replacements and shoulder replacements, the dressings can remain on until reviewed in clinic unless they are falling off after ten days.

You should not soak in baths, spas, pools or sea water until your wound is totally healed and there is no scabbing along the wound. 

If your wound becomes red, swollen, increased pain or becomes increasingly oozy, then you may have an infection. You should send a photo to brendan@aopractice.co.nz . If the clinic is not accessible to you, you should see your GP. You will may need oral antibiotics. Should this happen, you should rest and elevate the limb to reduce the swelling in addition to taking antibiotics and inform us that you have started antibiotics.

  • This varies depending on the type of work involved and Brendan will discuss this with you.  General guidelines are:

    Sedentary / Office Based work / Light Duties

    Knee arthroscopy                  3-7 days

    ACL reconstruction                1-2 weeks

    Knee Replacement                 2-4 weeks

    Heavy / Physical Work

    Knee arthroscopy                  4-6 weeks

    ACL reconstruction                12 weeks

    Knee Replacement                 12 weeks

  • This varies depending on the type of work involved and Brendan will discuss this with you.  General guidelines are:

    Sedentary / Office Based work / Light Duties

    Rotator cuff repair                 1 week (arm in sling)

    Shoulder Stabilization           1 week (arm in sling)

    Shoulder arthroscopy            1 weeks

    Shoulder Replacement         2 weeks (arm in sling)

    Heavy / Physical Work

    Rotator cuff repair                 4 – 6 months 

    Shoulder Stabilization           3 months

    Shoulder arthroscopy            6 weeks

    Shoulder Replacement          4 - 6 months

  • You cannot drive on the day of your surgical procedure and you should arrange for someone to drive you home.  You should not drive while you are in a sling or on crutches.  With knee surgery, you can return to driving quicker if the surgery is on your left leg and you have an automatic car.  General guidelines are:

    Rotator cuff repair                 6 weeks 

    Shoulder Stabilization           6 weeks

    Shoulder arthroscopy            2 weeks

    Shoulder Replacement         6 weeks

    Knee arthroscopy                  1 week

    ACL reconstruction                2 weeks

    Knee Replacement                 4-6 weeks

  • Long distance travel is associated with an increased risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) where blood clots form in the leg and can dislodge to the lung.  Long distance plane or car travel is not recommended for the first six weeks after surgery.  Short domestic travel is relatively low risk for DVT and can be undertaken earlier.  If you are considering travel during your recovery please discuss with Brendan. Additional information about DVT can be found at

    https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis