Postoperative Instructions For Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

Reed L. Bartz, MD

Medications: You will most likely be given two different medications postoperatively. The fist will by a narcotic medication (Vicodin or Percocet) which should be taken every 4 hours only as needed for pain control. The second will be an anti-inflammatory. Both of these medications should be taken with food as they commonly cause nausea or upset stomach.

Wound Care: The operative site will be covered with a soft dressing, a cold therapy pad, and an ace bandage. This should be removed between 24 and 48 hours after surgery and replaced with a clean dressing. Leave the tape strips over the dressing. They will slowly peel off 1 or 2 weeks after surgery. The office should be contacted immediately if there are any signs of infection including redness, swelling, drainage, excessive warmth, or a sudden increase in pain.

Showering: You may shower 48 hours after surgery. Try not to get your incisions too wet. Do not immerse the wound in water for 10 days after surgery to avoid risk of infection.

Cold Therapy Unit: You will likely go home with a cold therapy unit that includes a pad covering the operative site connected by a hose to a cooler. This should be used in 30 minute intervals for the first few days after surgery to help control pain and swelling. There should always be a layer of soft dressing between the cooling pad and your skin. If the cooling pad becomes so cold as to cause pain, remove it immediately to avoid frostbite.

Postoperative Physical Therapy: You will be given initial physical therapy instructions and likely a full physical therapy protocol after surgery. Physical therapy should begin 1 or 2 days after surgery. Please do not hesitate to call the office if you need assistance in setting up physical therapy.

Postoperative Appointment: You should schedule a postoperative appointment approximately 10 days after surgery.

Call the Office if…

  1. You experience severe pain that your pain medication does not relieve
  2. Your temperature is over 101.5°
  3. Your wound has excessive redness, swelling, or drainage
  4. You experience redness, swelling, or pain in your calf

THANK YOU for choosing me as your physician and please do not hesitate to contact the office if you have any questions.

Surgical Findings & Physical Therapy Recommendations

Reed Bartz, MD

Date: ______

Patient Name: ______

Post-Operative Diagnosis:

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Surgery Performed:

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Physical Therapy To Begin In: ______Days, ______Weeks

Frequency of Visits: ______

Initial Therapy Goals: ______

Therapy Precautions:

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