DESERT ORTHOPEDICS

Planning for Surgery

To ensure the a safe and speedy recovery, we've prepared the following points to consider before surgery. Please consult your orthopedist for specifics particular to your surgery.

Medical Evaluation Several weeks before your surgery, you may be asked to have a complete physical by your family physician  to assess your health and to rule out any conditions that could interfere with your surgery.

Tests Several tests, such as blood samples, a cardiogram, and a urine sample may be needed to help us plan your surgery.

Conditions to Watch For The skin of the area to be operated on should not have any infections or irritations nor should there be any chronic swelling. Please let us know if any of these conditions exist. 

Blood Donation We may advise you to donate your own blood prior to the surgery, in case we feel you may need it after surgery.

Medications Please let us know about all medications and supplements you are taking. We may ask you to discontinue taking some or all of them before surgery. 

Dental Evaluation Although the incidence of infection after surgery is very low, an infection can occur if bacteria enter your bloodstream. Treatment of significant dental diseases (including tooth extractions and periodontal work) should be undertaken before a major surgery.

Urinary Evaluations A preoperative urological evaluation should be considered for individuals with a history of recent or frequent urinary infections. For older men with prostate disease, required treatment should be considered prior to knee replacement surgery.

Social Planning You may be somewhat incapacitated following surgery, so you may consider lining up help for domestic tasks including cooking, shopping, bathing, and doing laundry. If you live alone, please talk to us well before the surgery so we can discuss other options to consider. 

Home Planning You may want to consider adding the following to your home for assistance through your recovery.

- Safety bars or a secure handrail in your shower or bath.

- Secure handrails along your stairways.

- A stable chair for your early recovery with a firm seat cushion (height of 18-20 inches), a firm back, two arms, and a footstool for intermittent leg elevation.

- A toilet seat riser with arms, if you have a low toilet.

- A stable shower bench or chair for bathing.

- Removing all loose carpets and cords.

- A temporary living space on the same floor, because walking up or down stairs will be more difficult during your early recovery.

Day of Surgery You will most likely be admitted to the hospital on the day of your surgery. After admission, you will be evaluated by a member of the anesthesia team. The most common types of anesthesia are general anesthesia, in which you are asleep throughout the procedure, and spinal or epidural anesthesia, in which you are awake but the area to be operated on is anesthetized. The anesthesia team with your input will determine which type of anesthesia will be best for you.

After surgery, you will be moved to the recovery room, where you will remain for one to two hours while your recovery from anesthesia is monitored. After you awaken, you will be taken to your hospital room.

Your Stay in the Hospital Depending on the procedure, you may stay in the hospital for several days. After surgery, you will feel some pain, but medication will be given to you to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Walking and movement are encouraged following several types of procedures, but be sure to check with your orthopedist about your specific operation. 

To avoid lung congestion after surgery, you should breathe deeply and cough frequently to clear your lungs.

Avoiding Problems After Surgery Be on the lookout for possible clots and infections following your surgery and notify your doctor immediately.

Warning signs of possible blood clots in your leg include:

- Increasing pain in your calf.

- Tenderness or redness above or below your knee.

- Increasing swelling in your calf, ankle, and foot.

Warning signs that a blood clot has travelled to your lung include:

- Sudden increased shortness of breath.

- Sudden onset of chest pain.

- Localized chest pain with coughing.

Warning signs of a possible infection are:

- Persistent fever (higher than 100 degrees orally).

- Shaking chills.

- Increasing redness, tenderness, or swelling of the wound.

- Drainage from the wound.

- Increasing pain with both activity and rest.