Other orthopaedic operations: a shared care guide

No. Change a clean, dry and intact dressing only when recommended. Opening it just to inspect the wound is unnecessary. If home changes are permitted, use the wound-care method above; do not open a dressing beneath a cast or fixed splint yourself.

If water has entered an ordinary dressing, do not assume it is dry or usable. If authorised and trained, replace it with a dry one; otherwise arrange help the same day. A wet outer surface of an intact waterproof dressing, with no water inside, is different from a wet pad.

Do not remove a fixed splint yourself. Support the limb and arrange assessment and possible replacement the same day. A removable splint is taken off only with permission and the method taught. If only the outer cover is wet and the splint stayed dry, removing and drying the cover is enough.

Do not use a hot hairdryer; a dry appearance does not prove the lining is dry. Do not bear weight on the wet cast, and call the same day for assessment. If the treatment team confirms both the cast and lining are waterproof, follow that cast's instructions.

Many closed surgical wounds may be showered after 48 hours; your own permission depends on the wound and dressing. Ordinary casts and splints must stay dry. Until your permitted time, clean your body with a damp cloth; afterwards, take a brief shower with an intact protector.

A small stain that does not grow can occur after surgery. Watch its size and change without opening the dressing just to inspect the wound. A soaked dressing, spreading stain or continued bleeding needs the action described in the warning-signs section.

First establish whether your stitches are absorbable or need removal; staples and glue have different care. One fixed day is not correct for every surgical site. Attend on the date set for wound review or stitch removal; if none was given, arrange it with the clinic. Do not pull out thread yourself.

Yes. Routine clinic review is one to two weeks after surgery and does not depend only on pain. Arrange the appointment on the first working day after discharge. If you were given a different individual appointment, keep it; do not wait until that appointment if a new problem appears.

The need is not the same for everyone. Take prescribed medicine precisely; if you have lower-limb surgery, a cast or a non-weight-bearing restriction and no clear anticoagulant plan, contact the clinic the same day. Do not start aspirin or another medicine yourself.

Do not double the next anticoagulant dose yourself. Check the medicine name, dose and missed time, and ask your pharmacist or treatment team for that medicine's instructions. Different injections and tablets have different advice; the medicine name is necessary for a precise answer.

Check with your pharmacist or treatment team first. Medicines may share ingredients and duplicate paracetamol (acetaminophen); some painkillers also increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants. Do not increase medicine yourself for uncontrolled pain.

Both can help when permitted. Elevate the supported limb and use a dry cold pack with a cloth for no more than 20 minutes. If the skin becomes painful or burns, remove the cold pack and stop using it. Do not apply cold yourself to numb skin, and keep meltwater away from dressings and casts.

Only if weight-bearing has been allowed. Healing bone or tendon may still need protection despite less pain. Non-weight-bearing, partial weight-bearing and weight-bearing as tolerated are explained in the activity section; clarify any unclear amount with the clinic.

Yes, if night-time use was prescribed. There is no shared answer for every operation. Until your plan is clear, keep the support in its prescribed position and clarify night-time instructions. Easily opened straps do not mean removal is permitted.

Do not drive for at least 24 hours after general anaesthesia or sedation, or while sedating medicines affect you. After limb surgery, full steering and braking control and compatibility with support restrictions are also necessary; no fixed day fits every operation.

Stitch removal is not the only criterion. Work must fit your load and movement restrictions and allow wound care and rest. Physical work, lifting and prolonged standing usually need separate assessment; set the plan for your own work.

Vitamin C is needed to make collagen and support normal healing, and correcting deficiency matters; more does not mean faster recovery for everyone. Collagen supplements also do not have one reliable, guaranteed benefit across all operations. If prescribed, follow the prescribed amount and keep a balanced diet with enough protein.

Allowed fluids, fibre-rich food and permitted activity can help. Ask about a stool softener appropriate to your medicine. If you have severe or persistent abdominal pain, vomiting or inability to pass wind, seek medical assessment right away; do not assume it is ordinary constipation.

Only if sitting down and getting up do not breach your movement and weight-bearing restrictions. Otherwise use a chair, and do not wet the cast or dressing for ablution. Ask your religious authority about the alternative method.

A fixed date is not suitable for every operation. You need full alertness, comfort and respect for load and movement restrictions. Choose a position without pressure on the wound or twisting the limb, and stop if it hurts; clarify timing at review if your operation has specific restrictions.