If your condition is serious or you’re unsure about any part of your care, we recommend bringing someone with you to your appointments. Having a family member or friend can help you remember information and take notes.

Pre-Surgery Tips and Guidelines

• You must have a responsible adult to take you home if you have sedation or anesthesia. It’s best to have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
• If you smoke, it’s important to quit at least a month before surgery.
• If you feel sick (cold, fever, or infection), let us know as soon as possible.
• You may need to follow diet restrictions before surgery. You’ll get specific instructions during your evaluation.
• If you take medications, discuss them with your surgeon.
• On the day of surgery:
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes. See below for recommendations based on your type of surgery.
• Leave jewelry and valuables at home. All rings and jewelry should be removed before you arrive to avoid surgery complications.
• Don’t wear makeup, nail polish or contact lenses.

Essential Tests and Screenings Before Surgery

The tests you need depend on your condition, surgery and overall health. If tests are needed, we will explain them to you. You may not need any tests.

• Common tests include:
• blood tests
• urine tests
• Depending on your health, you may need:
• EKG (heart test)
• chest X-ray

What to Bring for Your Orthopedic Surgery

• Insurance card(s)
• Photo ID
• Any oAt home, keep the surgery area We will schedule a follow-up appointment before you leave the hospital.clean and dry. Your doctor will give you instructions on bathing. Stitches or staples will be removed at a follow-up visit.
• rders or prescriptions from your provider
• A list of medications and doses, or bring the medicine bottles
• A list of questions you want to ask

Recommended Clothing for Post-Surgery Comfort

For your comfort after surgery, we suggest the following:

• Hip & Knee Surgery – Loose-fitting shorts or sweatpants (preferably one size larger)
• Shoulder Surgery – Button-up shirt that’s 1-2 sizes larger than what you usually wear and slip-on shoes or slippers. No pullovers or hoodies.
• Foot & Ankle Surgery – Loose-fitting shoes and socks.
• Carpal Tunnel Surgery – Loose shirt with short sleeves, sweatpants or pants with an elastic waist and slip-on shoes or slippers.
• For the Ride Home – Two pillows and one or two blankets to make the ride more comfortable. A container (small wastebasket or bucket) in case of nausea.

Orthopedic Surgery Recovery: What to Expect

After surgery, you’ll be in the recovery room where we’ll monitor your blood pressure, pulse, sensation to the area and breathing. Once stable, you’ll go to your hospital room or discharged to go home.

You may need to wear a cast, brace, or sling, depending on your condition.

To reduce swelling, you may need to use an ice pack several times a day for the first few days. Keep your sling or brace on as directed by your doctor.

Your doctor will arrange for physical therapy to help restore strength, flexibility and function.

Follow-Up Care

We will schedule a follow-up appointment before you leave the hospital.