Back on Track.

Return to Work

Planning your return

Depending on your occupation you may be able to return to office work once your wounds have healed and sealed. This can be around the 2-week review once your wounds have healed and sealed. However, returning to manual labour on uneven terrain or heavy lifting may be difficult following most procedures for at least 2 months.

Joint Replacement

While it may be possible to return to desk duties after 2 weeks it is safer to plan to have 1-2 months off work. This will give yourself the opportunity to rest and recover and do your rehabilitation without the pressure of returning to work.

Ligament Surgery - ACL

A minimum of 2 weeks is required to allow the wounds to heal. You will likely be on crutches for 2-4 weeks depending on your recovery. You should not return to uneven ground until you have regained your strength and control. You are at high risk of repeat injury at 3 months following surgery and this is often when you are starting to increase activity.

Trauma Fracture Fixation

Standard 2 weeks for wounds to recover.

Wrist ORIF - after 2 weeks you will likely be in a removable splint. Light office based duties will be possible from 2-6 weeks, after 6 weeks you will return to near full duties.
Tibial Plateau ORIF - Depending on the severity of the injury you may be on crutches for 2 months.
Ankle ORIF - 2 weeks with elevation and minimal mobility. Then likely in a moonboot from 2 weeks to 2 months.

Plan Your Return

Explore options to safely resume work and:

Understand what activities you can do based on your surgery
Learn timelines for returning to office or manual work
Get personalised guidance for your occupation