Can you fly after orthopedic surgery?

A general guide to follow: Avoid flying within 2 days following arthroscopic surgery. Avoid flying within 2 weeks following open shoulder surgery, or fracture surgery. Avoid flying for 6 months following total hip replacement surgery.



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recent heart attack. recent stroke. recent operation or injury where trapped air or gas may be present in the body (e.g. stomach ,bowel, eyes, face, brain) severe long term diseases that affect your breathing.

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Anyone with injuries where air has been trapped, because of the basic laws of physics and, more specifically, Boyle's Law, Calavan said, is at a higher risk of pain and injury inflight than others. “The biggest issue are those conditions that occur that have the possibility of trapped air.

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After surgery, patients are at an increased risk of blood clots, which is further exacerbated by the act of flying on a commercial flight. According to the HSS Education Institute, there is a general risk of blood clots occurring for up to four to six weeks after surgery.

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Contact the airline or airlines you are flying with and tell them you are on crutches at least 48 hours in advance. Airlines do not classify crutches as extra luggage, so you can still take your regular allowance without paying extra. Don't be a hero and not ask for assistance, thinking that you can manage on your own.

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You should not travel long haul after major foot surgery for at least three months. This includes operations such as ankle fusions or tendon reconstructions. You should not fly if you have your foot/leg in a plaster. For operations such as bunions you should avoid flying for approximately one month after surgery.

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Prevent Blood Clots During Travel
  1. Stand up or walk occasionally. ...
  2. Exercise your calf muscles and stretch your legs while you're sitting. ...
  3. Talk to your doctor about wearing compression stockings or taking medicine before departure if you have additional risk factors for blood clots.


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Does flying before surgery increase the risk of clotting complications? If preventive measures are neglected, a very long flight prior to surgery can increase the probability of complications for patients who undergo orthopedic surgeries such as a hip or knee replacement.

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Although it is possible to fly with broken bones, there are some situations where it should be avoided. If your injury makes sitting in a regular plane seat unbearable or bending your knee difficult, it is best to avoid flying to avoid further trauma.

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If you have swelling in only one leg and also have leg pain, seek prompt medical care. If you're at increased risk of blood clots, talk with your health care provider before flying. You may be at increased risk of blood clots if you recently had major surgery or you take birth control pills, for example.

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