How do I make an appointment?

Please call our office at (708) 361-0600 or call Lynn at (708) 923-2568 during normal business hours to make an appointment. You may also request an appointment here.

What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?

Please bring a valid ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, and any relevant reports including prior imaging and operative reports, especially if you are coming for a second opinion or to discuss a re-do surgery. Please also fill out this form and either email it to us before your visit at ldelenikas@parkviewortho.com or bring it with you to your appointment.

Where do you do surgery?

Dr Kendall operates at Advocate Christ Medical Center and Northwestern Palos Hospital. He does same-day surgery at both locations. He will discuss with you if this is appropriate for you at your visit.

How long do I need time off work after the surgery?

Every patient is different however we recommend patients take at least two weeks off work to recover from any surgery and to resume light-duty work although often patients will need longer. We will discuss your specific situation at your visit.

How long before I can resume driving?

You should wait at least two weeks before driving after surgery. The effects of pain medication and surgery can impact judgment and reflexes during the immediate post-op period. You need to be off of your opioid medication before you resume driving.

Will physical therapy be required after surgery?

The goal of surgery is to improve your range of motion, strength and flexibility. Physical therapy plays a necessary role in your recovery. The more effort you put into therapy after surgery, the better your overall outcome will be.

Will my leg swell after surgery?

It is very common to experience swelling after surgery.  Sometimes, you will not swell until several days after your surgery.  Remember that your body is healing from the surgery and some swelling is normal.  The more activities and physical therapy you perform, the more swelling you may experience.

Will I have bruising after surgery?

Yes, you will have some degree of bruising after surgery, but everyone is different.  Some will experience redness around only the incision; others will have bruising down the entire leg.  Both are considered normal and will resolve over the first few weeks.

How much weight can I put through my leg after surgery

Put as much weight as you can tolerate through your surgical leg immediately after surgery unless otherwise specified. Your physical therapist will instruct you on how to use your crutches or cane to perform this properly after surgery.

Will I have restrictions after my hip replacement?

If your surgical incision is in the front (anterior approach) you will not have to follow any precautions. If your surgical incision is on the side (posterior approach) you will need to follow your precautions for 6 weeks.

What should I expect my activity level to be?

Every patient is different.  The first week you should rest as much as possible.  In the second week you should begin increasing your activity level, let your pain level and swelling be your guide.  You will be 90 percent recovered in the first 6-8 weeks following surgery. And the remaining 10 percent will come within the next year. 

When can I shower or bathe?

You can shower immediately after surgery with your waterproof dressing.  To ensure that your incision heals properly and to avoid infection, we do not want you to bathe or get into a swimming pool until you have seen us in the office.  If you have scabs on your incision, you may not get into a pool or hot tub. This usually takes about 6-8 weeks. 

When can I restart my home medications?

Usually as soon as you are discharged from the hospital, please check with Dr. Kendall’s team if there are any medications in question.

Will I be able to kneel after a knee replacement?

We typically recommend waiting at least 6 months. While kneeling will not hurt your implants, it is normal to have some numbness along the incision that can sometimes make kneeling uncomfortable.

When will I take antibiotics after surgery?

You should take antibiotics before any of the following procedures.  Do not schedule any of the below appointments between 3 weeks before surgery and 3 months after surgery.

• Regular teeth cleanings

• Dental extractions

• Periodontal (gum disease) procedures

• Dental implant placement and re-implantation

• Endodontic (root canal) instrumentation or surgery

• Initial placement of orthodontic bands

• Injection of local anesthetic into the gums

Please contact our office for an antibiotic prescription prior to these procedures. This is a lifelong precaution.

What are the risks associated with surgery?

As with any surgery, risks include but are not limited to reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and nerve damage. With hip and knee replacement surgeries there is also a risk of failure of the implants. Dr. Kendall and his team will have a thorough discussion with you regarding surgery risks for your specific case.