Returning Home

Below is a summary of the guidelines you should follow when returning home in order to prevent home accidents such as falling:

  1. Move furniture as needed to make adequate room for walking with your walker or crutches.
  2. Remove small throw rugs that may get caught in the legs of the walker or crutches.
  3. Take your time when first standing up or when walking to ensure you are not dizzy or unsteady. The side effects of anesthesia and/or medication may result in occasional light-headedness.
  4. Consult with your physical therapist to determine any other home equipment needs prior to discharge.
  5. Instruction in proper incision care:
    • Keep incision clean and dry until staples or sutures are removed.
    • Cover with plastic bag when showering.
    • Pat dry if the incision gets wet.
  6. Call your surgeon if you experience:
    • Increased swelling in the knee or lower leg
    • Persistent pain not relieved by pain medication
    • Abnormal side effects from anesthesia or medication
    • Increased swelling, drainage, redness or foul smell from the incision site