YOUR SURGERY

Preparing for Surgery
Because of our many years of experience, we are aware that any surgery may be a cause of concern for a patient. At The Center For Orthopaedics we want to ensure that you are well prepared for your surgery and that the process is comprehensive and caring, from scheduling through post-operative care. To assist in our goal, we have identified some guidelines that will allow you to move efficiently through our system and help you know what to expect.

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Medical History Form

Scheduling Your Surgery
Once you and your doctor have decided that you will have surgery, we will schedule a surgery date for you. The actual time of surgeries on any given day can be impacted by emergencies and cancellations. Therefore, The Center For Orthopaedics' staff, just prior to that date, will confirm the actual time of the surgery with you. Thus, you may not get the actual time of surgery until the day before it is scheduled. Email Kristin MacRae or call her at 401-351-6200 x341

After Your Surgery
DO NOT PLAN TO DRIVE YOURSELF HOME; arrange to have someone drive you home following your surgery. Following the surgery, your TCO Physician and/or one of our Physician Assistants will be checking in on you.

Once you are at home, following your procedure, a TCO staff member will call you to inquire about your progress and will help to recommendadditional care if it is needed. Post-operative, your incision and surgical areas may be slightly swollen and sore. Notify your doctor of any of the following:

• Increased pain or new areas of discomfort
• Increased redness and swelling
• Drainage from the incision
• Temperature above 100 degrees
  

After surgery, activity restrictions are specific to each patient and the type of surgical procedure. It is important for you to talk with your doctor about your activity.

Rehabilitation is necessary to help you reach your highest level of mobility and function. The most important aspect of rehabilitation, at this point, is to strengthen the muscles surrounding your affected joint. The prescribed exercises will help improve your blood circulation as well. If physical therapy is indicated, The Center For Orthopaedics will help schedule this for you.

It is important to remember that you are an integral part of the rehabilitation team. Your cooperation and participation with the team are essential for a smooth progression from hospital to home. Remember, the success of your surgery depends a great deal on how well you take care of your joint or other effected area, and how willing you are to work on your prescribed exercises and motion.