Surgical & Post-Operative Care Flashcards

Following a total knee arthroplasty (TKA), which ROM milestone should a patient typically achieve by discharge from acute care?

Answer: 0-90° flexion

A 0-90° arc of motion is the standard discharge goal after TKA, allowing functional sit-to-stand transfers.

A patient 3 days post-ACL reconstruction reports calf pain, warmth, and swelling. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Answer: Notify the surgeon and screen for DVT

Calf pain, warmth, and swelling post-operatively are classic DVT warning signs requiring immediate surgical notification and further vascular screening.

Which surgical approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) generally requires posterior hip precautions to prevent dislocation?

Answer: Posterior approach

The posterior approach violates the posterior capsule and external rotators, necessitating precautions against hip flexion >90°, adduction, and internal rotation.

After arthroscopic rotator cuff repair of a large tear, what is the typical duration of immobilization in a sling before initiating passive ROM?

Answer: 4-6 weeks

Large rotator cuff repairs require 4-6 weeks of immobilization to allow tissue healing before initiating passive motion, as premature movement risks re-tear.

A patient 2 weeks post-lumbar spinal fusion presents with increasing pain, fever of 101.5°F, and elevated WBC. What should the physical therapist suspect?

Answer: Surgical site infection or discitis

Fever, elevated WBC, and worsening pain 2 weeks post-spinal surgery are cardinal signs of surgical site infection or discitis requiring urgent medical evaluation.

Which precaution is most critical for a patient in the first 6 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using a patellar tendon autograft?

Answer: Avoiding combined knee flexion with tibial internal rotation and valgus stress

The graft is in a vulnerable 'ligamentization' phase; combined tibial internal rotation with valgus stress recreates the injury mechanism and risks graft failure.

When is continuous passive motion (CPM) most commonly indicated following orthopedic surgery?

Answer: Immediately post-TKA to maintain joint mobility and reduce stiffness

CPM is most commonly applied after TKA to prevent arthrofibrosis, maintain joint nutrition, and promote early cartilage healing.