Hip Arthroscopy

Wound care

Remove your surgical dressing on the second day after surgery. Cover incisions with waterproof bandages for showering; no bathing or immersion.

Weight-bearing

50% weight-bearing (toe-touch only if you had a microfracture) for 3 weeks using crutches. For two weeks, avoid prolonged standing or walking and extended sitting without elevating the leg.

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.
• Aspirin 81 mg or 325 mg daily for 1 month to help prevent clots.
• To reduce excess bone formation: Toradol 10 mg every 6 hours for 2 days, then diclofenac 75 mg every 12 hours for 1 month.
• If prescribed Journavx: 2 tablets before you leave for surgery, then 1 tablet every 12 hours.

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.

Exercises & physical therapy

Begin simple exercises on day one (straight-leg raises, quad sets, heel slides, ankle pumps), 3-4 times daily. If you were given a CPM machine, use it 4-6 hours daily (6-8 hours for cartilage procedures). Formal PT typically begins 7-14 days after surgery.

Driving & work

No driving until cleared. Sedentary work is often possible in 3-4 days if tolerable.

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.