Driving
| Procedure | Earliest return to driving |
|---|---|
| Knee arthroscopy | 1–2 weeks |
| ACL reconstruction | 3–4 weeks |
| Hip arthroscopy | 3–4 weeks |
| Knee or hip replacement | 6 weeks |
| Shoulder surgery | 6 weeks |
These are minimums. You need to be confident with emergency braking and free of opioid analgesia before driving.
Returning to work
Return to work depends on the demands of your role. Sedentary office work is often possible within days of arthroscopic procedures and 1–2 weeks of replacement procedures. Manual or labour-intensive work requires more time. Mr Gormack will give specific advice for your situation.
Follow-up
A wound check is arranged at 10–14 days after surgery, usually with a wound care nurse. Mr Gormack will see you in his rooms for a longer review after that.
Wound care
Most wounds are closed with dissolving stitches under a waterproof dressing. Keep the dressing in place until your follow-up appointment. You may shower as normal — but do not soak the wound in a bath or pool. Avoid creams or ointments unless specifically advised.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is an important part of recovery, but should generally be avoided for the first 2 weeks while wounds are healing. Mr Gormack will direct you to a physiotherapist experienced in your specific procedure.
Normal recovery symptoms
- Swelling around the joint — sometimes for many weeks.
- Mild pain, especially with activity.
- A temporary low-grade fever in the first few days.
- Bruising around the surgical site, sometimes tracking downwards.
- Clicking or unfamiliar sensations as you regain movement.
- Some numbness around the scar.
- A small amount of clear drainage from the wound in the first few days.
When to contact us
Some symptoms need urgent assessment. Please contact our rooms — or after hours, an emergency department — if you develop:
- Spreading redness or warmth around the wound
- Persistent or high fever
- Significant bleeding or pus from the wound
- Severe calf pain or sudden shortness of breath (possible DVT or PE)
- Sudden, severe new pain or a clear loss of function
Travel
Long-distance travel — especially by air — should be avoided for at least 6 weeks after lower-limb surgery, because of the increased risk of deep vein thrombosis. Shorter trips are usually safe earlier; ask if you are uncertain.