Rehabilitation Protocol for the Elbow
General Instructions for simple elbow arthroscopy

• Apply ice covered with a towel to elbow for 2-3 days (15-20 minutes at a time).
• Swelling and bruising is normal. You may loosen dressing if needed.
• Low grade fevers (37.5 degrees) are common for a couple of days after surgery

Bandages

• Your dressing may show blood stains after surgery. This is expected. If the blood is still wet after the first day seek advice
• Remove all dressings and cover wounds with elastoplasts after three days.
• You may shower after 3 days.
• Do not swim or submerge incisions in water for 2 weeks.

Outpatients

• You will be seen in the clinic at 2 weeks to review the wounds and discuss the further post-operative course

Exercises

• Ideally elevate your elbow and hand above the level of your heart when resting for 2-3 days after surgery to decrease swelling. This is not usually practical so you may elevate it above waist level.
• On the day of surgery start exercises by squeezing the hand to make a fist and then straightening the fingers. Repeat this as often as possible.
• On the first day after surgery start to flex and extend the wrist (like waving goodbye)
• As soon as possible start flexing and extending the elbow as comfort allows.

Work and Driving

• Your comfort level should be your guide for returning to work.
• Most people are able to return to work within 1-2 weeks.
• Driving is allowed when you feel that you can control the car and that the elbow will allow you to turn the wheel in an emergency.