Expectations After Hip Arthroscopy

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These postoperative guides are meant to help patients of Dr. Kellett prepare for their postoperative period after hip arthroscopy, which may involve labral debridement, labral repair, and/or bony work such as an acetabuloplasty and femoroplasty. The following is meant to act as a general guide, but please note that the postop protocol may vary slightly from individual to individual. Please reach out to our office with any questions regarding your specific surgical plan! 

• Dressings: You will have a soft sterile dressing over your incisions. Keep this dressing clean and dry.
• In most cases a hip abduction brace will not be used.
• Follow-up appointment: you will receive a date/time for your surgeon visit and physical therapy referral. You should already have a postoperative appointment scheduled with Dr. Kellett- if you do not, please call 609-750-1600. 

• Keep your incisions dry and covered for the first 3 days. 
• After three days, you may remove the outer dressing and shower; pat your incisions dry without scrubbing. You may place regular bandaids over the arthroscopy incisions (typically two or three small incisions).  Do not soak in baths/pools/hot tubs until cleared, typically 4-6 weeks after surgery.
• Do not apply creams, ointments, or alcohol to incisions unless directed.
• Stitches: nylon sutures will be used, and these will be removed two weeks after surgery.

• Take prescribed pain medications as directed. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
• Use acetaminophen and/or NSAIDs as approved. You will also be prescribed a short course of a narcotic medication. You will be prescribed aspirin as well for the first two weeks after surgery, and it is very important to take this to reduce your risk of blood clots. 
• Ice: apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours during the first 48–72 hours to reduce pain/swelling. Place a thin towel between ice and skin. 
• Avoid driving while taking narcotic pain medications or if you cannot comfortably and safely operate a vehicle. 

• Your weight bearing status will depend upon the type of procedure you have done. For a simple labral debridement alone, weight bearing as tolerated will begin within the first week of surgery. For a labral repair with or without bony work (femoroplasty, acetabuloplasty), you will be toe touch weightbearing only on crutches or a walker for 4-6 weeks.  Dr. Kellett will review the progression to come off of crutches or walker during your first postoperative visit. 
• Begin ankle pumps and quad sets as soon as you are able to after surgery. Ankle pumps in particular should be started right away to help lower the risk of a blood clot. 
• You are encouraged to start physical therapy within 1-2 weeks of your surgical procedure.
• You are cleared to drive within the first week after your procedure if you have had surgery on your left hip. If your procedure was on your right hip, you are cleared to drive after you are fully weight bearing comfortably without a limp and feel comfortable pressing hard on the gas pedal, for most patients this takes 4-6 weeks. Always ask Dr. Kellett about clearance prior to starting to drive. 

• Please make a strong effort to attend all scheduled PT sessions.
• Perform home exercise program as prescribed; consistency improves outcomes.
• Communicate pain or unusual symptoms to your therapist and surgeon.