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Wound Care After Joint Replacement Surgery

This information is designed to give you a general understanding and advice on caring for your wound after you are discharged from hospital.

What to Expect

  • The wound may feel tender
  • You may have some bruising, swelling or localised redness around the wound
  • The skin will likely feel tight, numb and slightly itchy or you may have a pinprick sensation
  • There may also be a small amount of clear fluid or blood through the dressing
 

These symptoms and sensations are a normal part of the healing process. They should reduce every day. If the amount of clear fluid or blood does not increase, you do not need to do anything further. If the bleeding continues and soaks through the dressing then contact Dr Rodda’s rooms for further advice.

Wound dressing

The surgical wound will have two layers of dressing. The first a honeycomb or a pink spongy dressing the other a waterproof glue dressing. Both dressings are waterproof and a daily shower followed by patting the dressing dry is fine.

The honeycomb or pink spongy dressing can be removed at the 12-14 day mark after surgery. This is done in the home either in the shower or after a shower. If the dressing comes off before then or if the dressing begins to leak water, it will need to be changed by your GP.

The glue dressing can be left in place for 3-4 weeks. This will be removed at your follow up appointment. If the dressing starts to lift on the edges, then it can be carefully trimmed.

It is important the wound dressing is kept clean and dry.

Signs of Infection

Most wounds heal without any issues, however a wound infection is one of the most common complications after surgery. Early detection is often the easiest treatment.

Signs of an infection to look out for include:

  • The wound starts to open up, feels hot and tender to touch and looks red
  • There is increased fluid coming out of the wound and it is cloudy or dark brown and or has a bad smell
  • You have a temperature over 37.5°C and feel hot or sweaty, or generally unwell
If you notice any of these symptoms, or if you are worried about your wound, contact Dr Rodda’s rooms or your GP if it is after hours.

Activity

You should try not to overexert yourself. Excessive physical activity in the first few days after your operation can cause a problem with the wound.

Please do not apply any creams or lotions to the wound until all the dressings have been removed. Please do not commence hydrotherapy until all dressing have been removed and you have had your 3-4 week follow up appointment.

If you are worried or not sure, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Rodda’s rooms, we are here to help.