Discharge Instructions

Preparing to Leave the Hospital and Head Home

At the Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin, your discharge planning begins when you decide to have surgery. You will discuss your discharge needs or concerns with a staff member prior to surgery. Our goal when you leave the hospital is for you to have a safe discharge destination with an understanding of how to take care of yourself. We encourage you to enlist the help of a family member or a friend to be involved in your care after surgery.

At the time of your discharge after surgery you will be provided with a personalized plan for your care. This will include instructions on pain management, your activity, and how to take care of your surgical site – as well as any restrictions. Please be prepared with any specific questions you may have, so you we can make your discharge as seamless as possible.

If you have questions after you have left the hospital that are not addressed in your discharge paperwork, please contact us as follows:

  • Call 414-961-6862 (24/7) if you spent the night at OHOW after your surgery.
  • Call 414-961-6771 if you had day surgery. If you are calling before 8 a.m. or after 5 p.m., please contact your surgeon directly.

For discharge instructions for a specific procedure, please select from the options below:

Foot/Ankle (PDF)
Hand/Wrist/Elbow (PDF)
Hip (PDF)
Knee (PDF)
Shoulder (PDF)
Spine (PDF)
Knee Scope (PDF)
Hip Scope (PDF)

Watch our patient discharge video instructions here.