Post-Operative Care: Is It Safe for My Dad to Use a Compression Stocking on His Surgical Leg?
My father, who is 67 years old, is currently recovering from surgery. He is taking several medications, including 2.5 mg of Ramipril, atorvastatin, 10 mg of amlodipine, and enoxaparin sodium for the next six weeks due to a previous history of pulmonary embolisms (PEs). Additionally, he uses codeine as needed for post-surgical pain relief. His medical background includes managed hypertension and a significant motorbike accident in 2006, which resulted in the placement of metal supports in both legs. This incident triggered a total of twelve PEs. He also suffered a fractured tibia and is dealing with advanced osteoarthritis in his right knee, for which a knee replacement is necessary. On Tuesday, September 9, my dad underwent a procedure to remove the hardware from his right tibia to prepare for the upcoming knee replacement. The surgery involved extracting one long rod and four screws placed above and below his knee. He was discharged from the hospital the same day and has been advised to rest in bed for the first 72 hours, although he has started to move around a bit while keeping his leg elevated during rest periods. Thankfully, he is experiencing minimal pain. For many years, following his doctor’s recommendation, he has worn compression stockings, likely due to the risks associated with DVT resulting from his prior injuries in the accident. My inquiry is whether it is appropriate for him to wear compression stockings on his surgical leg during recovery. Will this practice hinder his healing process? Unfortunately, we did not receive guidance on this matter in the hospital, and I have been unable to reach his medical team via their after-hours contact number. I appreciate any insights you can provide, as this issue is causing him some concern.
Answers (1)
9/13/2025, 11:30:51 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to have concerns about post-operative care, especially regarding the use of compression stockings after your father's surgery. In general, the use of compression stockings can help prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is particularly relevant given his history. However, some precautions should be considered.
Main Points:
- Compression stockings can help reduce the risk of blood clots but may have implications depending on the surgical site.
- It’s important to assess the type of surgery and the healing process before proceeding with using them.
Explanation: Compression stockings are designed to improve blood flow in the legs and can be beneficial for preventing blood clots, especially in patients at higher risk. However, after a surgical procedure, particularly one involving hardware removal and preparation for another surgery, there could be potential concerns regarding pressure on the surgical area.
Given your father's recent surgery, the key factors are:
- Healing of the Surgical Site: The compression should not interfere with healing or create undue pressure on the incision or surrounding tissue.
- Medical History: His history of pulmonary embolisms and ongoing use of enoxaparin (a blood thinner) indicate he is at higher risk for clotting, reinforcing the potential benefit of compression stockings.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Surgical Site: Before deciding on use, closely monitor for any signs of swelling, increased pain, or redness around the surgical site.
- Gentle Use: If he feels comfortable and there are no signs of complications, he could try using the compression stocking on the non-surgical leg. For the surgical leg, it is generally advised to wait until he has a follow-up appointment or receives clearance from his healthcare provider.
- Contact Medical Team: Since it’s essential to have professional guidance, if he encounters any swelling or pain in either leg, it would be best to reach out again to his medical team or follow up when possible.
If any symptoms worsen, such as increased swelling or pain in the leg, this should prompt immediate medical attention. Please remain attentive to your father's comfort and recovery during this time.
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