Here’s a guide to making sure your orthopedic procedure goes as smoothly as possible.
Choosing to undergo orthopedic surgery is a difficult decision. But it can also be a life-changing one that frees you of pain and allows you to move freely again.
At New York Bone & Joint Specialists, we’ll guide you through every step of your surgery — from preparation to recovery. Although each patient and procedure is different, here are some general guidelines for what to expect on the day of your orthopedic procedure.
Prior to Your Surgery
- Before your procedure, you will need to obtain medical clearance for the surgery from your primary care doctor. This permission is valid for 30 days, but it’s recommended you obtain the clearance one week before the surgery.
- If the surgery is scheduled before noon, you must abstain from eating and drinking after midnight on the day of the surgery. If the surgery is scheduled after 12 p.m., you can’t eat or drink for 10 hours before the surgery. You can take your regular medications with a sip of water if permitted by the doctor. Your doctor may also ask that you discontinue taking anti-inflammatory medications and blood thinners a week before the surgery as well as any vitamin or herbal supplements.
- Patients must arrange for a family member or friend to escort them to and from the surgery center. You will be given anesthesia so you cannot drive yourself home. If no adult is available to assist you after the surgery, our office can schedule a visiting nurse from Partners in Care to escort you home for a fee.
The Day of Your Surgery
- On the day of your surgery, you should arrive two hours before your scheduled time to fill in all necessary permission forms. You’ll need to bring your insurance information and photo ID, but leave all valuables at home.
- You’ll be taken to the pre-op area where you’ll change into a hospital gown. A nurse will take your blood pressure and heart rate, and conduct any other pre-op tests. You will also be set up with an IV.
- Just before the surgery, the anesthesiologist and the surgeon will review your health history and allergies, and tell you what anesthesia will be administered during the procedure. The surgeon will also explain the operation in detail. At New York Bone & Joint, we favor minimally invasive surgeries in nearly all cases and administer only the minimal amount of anesthesia required. Our doctors and staff will make sure you thoroughly understand the procedure and answer any questions you have so you’ll be relaxed and comfortable.
After the Surgery
- After your surgery, you will be transferred to the post-op room. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs will be monitored. The IV will be removed, and you can eat solid foods.
- The surgeon will come see you to assess how you’re feeling. It’s natural to feel a bit groggy from the anesthesia, but that will quickly wear off. Once cleared for discharge, you can change into your clothes and have your escort drive you home.
- Before you leave, the surgeon will provide a prescription for pain medication, if needed. He or she will also instruct you on what you can and cannot do for the first few days at home. At this time, you can make a follow up appointment with the surgeon and start a schedule for physical therapy.
Thinking About Orthopedic Surgery?
We understand you may be anxious about your surgery. At New York Bone & Joint Specialists, we collaborate with every patient to ensure their surgery goes as smoothly as possible. We pride ourselves on not only our surgical expertise, but our caring bedside manner, as well. Your surgery is the first step to a successful recovery and a return to a pain-free lifestyle, and we’re ready to make that happen.
The doctors and surgeons at New York Bone & Joint Specialists treat a variety of orthopedic conditions, employing both surgical and non-surgical methods. We want every patient to enjoy life to the fullest without orthopedic pain. Contact us today for a consultation.
