Bankart Repair

Wound care

Remove your surgical dressing on the second day after surgery. Leave steri-strips until your first visit. Cover incisions with waterproof bandages for showering; do not immerse the arm (no baths).

Sling

You will go home in a sling. Wear it at all times except for hygiene and prescribed exercises.

Activity

No driving until cleared. Sedentary work is often possible in 3-4 days if pain allows. Avoid long travel or unsupported arm positions for two weeks.

Ice

Use your ice machine or ice packs 20 minutes every 2 hours until your first post-operative visit. Keep a thin towel between the ice and your skin.

Medications

• Pain medicine (Norco or Percocet): 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 12 tablets in 24 hours. Do not take extra Tylenol with it.
• If prescribed Journavx: 2 tablets before you leave for surgery, then 1 tablet every 12 hours.

Physical therapy

Your formal physical therapy plan is discussed at your first post-operative visit, typically 7-14 days after surgery.

When to call us

• Fever above 101.5°F
• Pain that will not let up, or painful swelling / numbness
• Increasing redness or continuous drainage / bleeding from the incision
• A change in the color of the operated arm or leg
• Difficulty breathing, or excessive nausea / vomiting

For a true emergency, call 911. For non-urgent questions about your recovery, please contact our office.