Hip Arthroscopy Patients

The operation was performed through two or three small incisions. You may experience some swelling in the joint. This is usually due to fluid used during the surgery for visualization. This fluid is usually reabsorbed by your body over time. You may have some bruising in the operated leg as well. This may travel down the leg with gravity.

Dressing: A waterproof plastic dressing is typically used. You may shower and get the dressing wet as long as the wound stays sealed. The dressing should stay on for the first week after surgery and will be removed at your first follow-up visit. If there is seepage through the drainage, please change the dressing with gauze. Please do not bathe or swim for the first 4 weeks.

Ice Machine: If you choose to use an ice machine, it should be used for the two weeks. Please follow the directions given to you by the representative. The ice machine company will make arrangements for you to return the machine. If you do not have an ice machine, you may use ice packs to control the pain and swelling. Do not put the ice directly on the skin. Use ice for 20 minutes at a time, three times a day.

Activity: Crutches are used for the first 4 weeks unless Dr. Youm specifies otherwise. If you had a labral repair or impingement resection, you will be 50% foot-flat weight bearing with 2 crutches. A hip brace is often used the first week after surgery. The brace allows for hip flexion but prevents hyperextension and external rotation. The brace may be removed for showering and sitting. It should be used for standing and sleep. Physical therapy will be discussed at your first follow-up visit.

Medications: You will be given a prescription for pain medication. Please consider a stool softener as narcotic pain meds can cause constipation. A baby aspirin will be prescribed to prevent blood clots. NSAIDs will be prescribed to avoid heterotopic ossification and help with pain and inflammation. Please take the pain medication with food. Do not drink alcoholic beverages or drive if you are using pain medications.

Work: You will discuss when you can return to work with your surgeon on your first post-operative visit.

Driving: You will discuss when you can drive with your surgeon on your first post-operative visit. Generally, for the right hip, we recommend driving after crutches are stopped in 4 weeks. For the left hip, driving can resume after 2 weeks.

Follow-up: Your follow-up visit will be 6 days after surgery. If you had surgery on Tuesday, we will see you in the office on Monday. If you had surgery on Thursday, we will see you in the office on Wednesday. Please call the office to confirm.