What is typically completed during the first post-operative visit a week after surgery?

During the first post-operative visit one week after surgery, one of the key activities is the removal of any surgical packs or dressings that may have been applied at the time of the surgical procedure. This step is essential to ensure that the surgical site is healing properly and to assess the condition of the wound. Rinsing the area afterward helps to keep the surgical site clean, which is crucial for preventing infection and promoting optimal healing.

Assessing bone healing, while important, typically occurs at a later follow-up appointment when it can be evaluated more effectively. Taking x-rays might also be done at a later stage to visualize the healing process or to assess underlying structures not immediately visible. Scheduling the next appointment is certainly part of patient management, but it is not a primary focus of the first post-operative visit, which centers more on assessing healing and maintaining the cleanliness of the surgical site.