Dr. Armstrong is a general orthopedic physician and surgeon who specializes in total hip and knee replacement. Dr. Armstrong enjoys working on these areas of the body because their health is the key to successful movement. In one calendar year, he performed over 140 hip and knee surgeries. He is the only hip and knee fellowship trained surgeon in the area and prides himself on his ability to perform successful surgeries and get patients home the same day. Below, finds more information about the procedures he performs and some common frequently asked questions from Dr. Armstrong’s patients.
Procedures
Have an upcoming surgery? Learn more about what you need to know before, during, and after your procedure:
- Medication Information Before Your Surgery
- Therapy for Total Joint Surgery FAQ
- Total Joint Medical Equipment Information
- Carle Bromenn: Getting Ready for your Joint Replacement Surgery
- OSF Total Joint Surgery Information
- What to Expect with a Total Hip Replacement
- What to Expect with a Total Knee Replacement
- Your Complete Guide to Total Joint Replacement
- Dr. Armstrong’s Wound Incision Care Instructions
Please check out the following videos from the AAOS website to give you a better understanding of what your total hip or total knee replacement surgery will entail.
FAQ
Q: When do my staples/sutures come out?
This will take place 2 weeks after your surgery date at your follow up appointment with Dr. Armstrong.
Q: When can I get the surgical area wet?
72 hours after surgery, you will be able to shower and cleanse the area. You are okay to shower with the aquacel bandage on since it is waterproof. DO NOT fully submerge the area in tubs or pools until your sutures/staples are out and the area is FULLY healed.
Q: How long do I take the 81 Aspirin?
Dr. Armstrong has his patients take 81mg Aspirin twice a day for 1 month after surgery. After the 30 days you can stop the 81 mg Aspirin twice a day and resume your prescribed dosage of Aspirin 81 mg. if you were on a different blood thinner prior to surgery those dosing instructions will be provided to you by the prescriber.
Q: When can I drive/fly?
You may drive when you are no longer taking your narcotics (pain medicine) and when you feel safe to drive. You may fly after 4 weeks post-op.
Q: How long will I do physical therapy?
Dr. Armstrong leaves that up to you and the therapist depending on how well you are progressing (keep in mind everyone heals/progresses differently).
Q: When can I return to work?
This may depend on your job duties. Most patients who perform desk/sedentary duties can return to work 4-6 weeks after surgery or sooner in some cases. If you perform more physical labor, you may need to be off longer than that.
Q: How long will I be in the hospital after surgery?
Typically, most patients stay 24 hours but on occasion will need to stay longer.
Q: Will I see Dr. Armstrong prior to my scheduled surgery?
Not typically, once he evaluates you and you set-up a date for your surgery with our surgery scheduler, you will not see him until after your surgery.
Q: Is it ok to exercise before surgery?
Of course! Our goal is to keep you active and moving even before surgery, as much as your pain allows you to.
Q: When will I know my surgery arrival time?
Dr. Armstrong’s nurse will call you the day before to let you know your surgery arrival time.
Q: Should I have bruising or swelling after surgery?
It is completely normal to have bruising and or swelling after surgery. Remember to ice, elevate and utilize your compression hose to help alleviate these symptoms.
