Together, you and your orthopaedic surgeon
will decide on a course of aftercare that's
most appropriate for you. The full length
of your care may span several months.
Rehabilitation will begin in the hospital
and continue with outpatient physical
therapy sessions, as well as at home.
Understanding your care may help
you feel more comfortable throughout
the healing process.
How do I care for the new
incision sites?
At first, a hospital medical professional
will take care of your incision sites. Like
any other wound, they must be cared for
every day to avoid complications that may
include infection. As your health allows,
you will probably learn how to care for
the incision sites yourself.
The steps required to care for your wounds at home are described on page 3 within the section "At Home. Where Do I Go from Here?"
Why take additional X-rays?
Following surgery, your surgeon will take
X-rays every few weeks to confirm that
the fracture is healing appropriately. Keep
in mind that everyone heals differently.
You will heal at your own pace based
upon a number of factors that your
surgeon can discuss with you. Your
surgeon will keep you informed about
your progress each step of the way.
How does physical therapy
help me heal?
Since motion and muscle strength play
an important role in fracture healing, the
right exercises can significantly aid in your
recovery. Of course, the fracture itself may
hinder the use of your injured limb. Your
doctor's choice of an intramedullary nail
gives you the potential to begin moving
earlier than treatment with an external
cast or brace.
A physical therapist will work closely with you to select the most appropriate treatment and exercises to help you restore your range of motion and rebuild muscle strength.