Tips After Elbow Surgery

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How do I look after my wound and stitches?

Keep the wound dry until it has healed – usually 10-14 days. There will be a waterproof dressing over the wound and sometimes a plaster covering the elbow. If the dressings start to lift away, you can buy additional dressings at your local chemist to reinforce or replace them. If you have a plaster, it can be helpful to cover your arm in a plastic bag whilst washing in the shower. Try to keep the plaster dry as if it becomes soggy, it loses its strength and shape. You will usually see Mr Lau at ~2 weeks for it to be checked.

The Sling

Wearing a sling is important to protect your elbow during the early stages of post operative recovery. Generally, its use is divided into stages (this may change depending on your specific type of operation):

• 0-2 weeks: wear sling at all times. Can come off for hygiene only
• 2-6 weeks: wear the sling most of the time, but you can wean out of it for longer periods
• >6 weeks: sling only if necessary, out most if not all of the time

When out of the sling, ensure your elbow is supported with pillows or cushions. A nurse or physio will help you fit the sling and make sure you know how to put your arm in the sling in a correct way. Unless specified, you should not need the body strap.

It is recommended you wear your sling at night for the first 6 weeks. Try to find a comfortable position, either on your back, propped up or on your side, and support the elbow/shoulder with cushions. Armpit hygiene can be difficult with a sling, and it is OK to come out of the sling from time to time to wash. Moist towels to wipe down the armpit can be helpful

Tips for Sleeping after Elbow Surgery

• A reclined position is generally the easiest. Try a recliner chair or propped up in bed with lots of pillows/cushions. Generally patients will do better on an incline for 4-6 weeks.
• Wear your sling at night for the first 4-6 weeks. It helps to limit movement
• Pillows are your friend. Elevate the arm as much as possible
• Time your medication including taking something long acting just before you sleep. Have pain relief next to your bedside within easy reach
• Ice before bed – can help reduce inflammation and improve pain
• Take it easy!

Concerns or questions?

If you have any concerns post operatively, or you would like further information, please contact Mr Lau through the VBJS on 03 5752 5020 or via email at admin@vbjs.com.au

If you need urgent medical help, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.

Your post-operative rehabilitation protocols are on the Post-Op Protocols page.

Next steps

Ongoing Follow Up and Planned Appointments

1. Wound Check

Appointment scheduled with our VBJS Nurses – approx. 10-14 days post op

• Date and Time:
• Location:
• Fitzroy: Victorian Bone & Joint Specialists, Suite 7/55 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC 3065
• Knox: Victorian Bone & Joint Specialists, Suite 1C, Knox Private Hospital, 262 Mountain Hwy, Wantirna VIC 3152
• Peninsula: Beleura Consulting Suites, Beleura Private Hospital, 925 Nepean Highway, Mornington VIC 3931
• Arrange with GP
• None required

2. Follow Up Appointment with Mr Lau

Appointment scheduled – at approx 6 weeks

• Date and Time:
• Location:
• Fitzroy: Victorian Bone & Joint Specialists, Suite 7/55 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy VIC 3065
• Knox: Victorian Bone & Joint Specialists, Suite 1C, Knox Private Hospital, 262 Mountain Hwy, Wantirna VIC 3152
• Peninsula: Beleura Consulting Suites, Beleura Private Hospital, 925 Nepean Highway, Mornington VIC 3931

3. Physiotherapy or Hand Therapy

• You have been referred to a physio or hand therapist who regularly works with Mr Lau, and will have correspondence including the operative report and usual post operative protocol.
  They will call you to arrange an appointment to commence after your wound check
• Please phone and arrange an appointment with your own physiotherapist or hand therapist for ongoing rehabilitation to commence after your wound check.
  Remember to bring the post operative protocol provided in your post op pack

4. Post op XRs

• No Post Op XRs required
• Please have an XR taken the few days prior to your 6 week appointment. Alternatively, an XR on the day of your appointment as a “walk in” is also possible. You will have been provided with an XR slip in your post op pack

These notes have been prepared by Mr Simon Lau. They are general overviews and information aimed for use by his patients. They reflect Mr Lau’s views, opinions and recommendations. They do not constitute medical advice. The contents are provided for information and education purposes only. Please seek Mr Lau’s specific advice with any questions regarding medical conditions and treatment.