Orthopedics Surgery: Procedures, Recovery, and What to Expect
Orthopedic Surgery: What to Know Before, During, and After Treatment
Orthopedic surgery treats conditions affecting the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other parts of the musculoskeletal system. It may help relieve pain, restore movement, repair an injury, or improve stability. Depending on the condition, treatment may involve a small incision and specialized instruments or a more extensive operation.
Surgery is not the right choice for everyone. Many orthopedic problems can be managed with nonsurgical treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, activity changes, or injections. A qualified healthcare professional can explain the options and help determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Common Types of Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgeons treat a wide range of conditions. Common procedures include:
- Joint replacement: Replaces some or all of a damaged joint, often the hip or knee, with artificial components.
- Arthroscopy: Uses a small camera and instruments inserted through small incisions to diagnose or treat joint problems.
- Fracture repair: Uses devices such as plates, screws, rods, or pins to stabilize broken bones while they heal.
- Spine surgery: Treats certain problems involving the spine, such as nerve compression or instability.
- Ligament or tendon repair: Repairs or reconstructs damaged soft tissue, including injuries to the knee or shoulder.
- Hand and foot surgery: Addresses conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, bunions, or tendon disorders.
When Might Surgery Be Recommended?
A clinician may discuss surgery when a condition causes significant pain or limits daily activities, and nonsurgical care has not provided enough relief. Surgery may also be recommended for certain serious injuries or conditions where delaying treatment could affect function or healing.
The decision depends on factors such as the diagnosis, symptoms, overall health, activity goals, and potential benefits and risks. Imaging tests, a physical examination, and a review of medical history may help guide the recommendation.
Preparing for Orthopedic Surgery
Preparation varies by procedure and by person. Before surgery, the care team may review medications, allergies, medical conditions, and previous operations. They may also order tests or provide instructions about eating, drinking, and taking medications before the procedure.
Patients can prepare by asking what to expect, arranging transportation and help at home, and making any recommended changes to their living space. For some procedures, strengthening exercises or other preoperative steps may be advised. Follow the instructions provided by the surgical team, and do not stop or change prescribed medication without consulting a healthcare professional.
What Happens During Surgery?
Orthopedic procedures may be performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical center. Anesthesia may be local, regional, or general, depending on the procedure and the patient’s needs. The surgical team will explain the planned approach, expected length of the procedure, and whether an overnight stay is likely.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery time can range from days to months, depending on the operation, the condition being treated, and a person’s overall health. Some patients go home the same day, while others need hospital care or additional support.
Rehabilitation is often an important part of recovery. A physical or occupational therapist may recommend exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility. Patients may also need temporary support such as crutches, a walker, a brace, or changes to their usual activities.
Following the care team’s instructions can help support recovery. Attend follow-up appointments, use medications only as directed, and contact the care team if symptoms worsen or recovery does not seem to be progressing as expected.
Potential Risks
All surgery carries risks. Depending on the procedure and individual health factors, these may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, reactions to anesthesia, nerve or blood vessel injury, stiffness, ongoing pain, or the need for additional treatment. The surgeon can explain which risks are most relevant and how they may be reduced.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
- What is the goal of the procedure, and what improvement is realistic?
- Are there nonsurgical treatments I should consider?
- What are the main risks and possible complications?
- How long might recovery take, and what rehabilitation will I need?
- When can I return to work, driving, exercise, or other usual activities?
- What costs, follow-up care, or support should I plan for?
Making an Informed Decision
Orthopedic surgery can be an effective option for some injuries and musculoskeletal conditions, but the right approach depends on each person’s circumstances. Discuss the expected benefits, alternatives, risks, and recovery requirements with a qualified orthopedic professional before making a decision. This article is for general information and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.
8 Essential Tips for Orthopedic Surgery Preparation and Recovery
- Ask your surgeon about benefits, risks, and alternatives.
- Share your medical history and medication list.
- Follow pre-surgery instructions from your care team.
- Arrange a ride home and help during recovery.
- Understand your pain-control plan before surgery.
- Follow wound-care instructions to help prevent infection.
- Attend follow-up visits and physical therapy.
- Contact your care team about concerning symptoms.
Ask your surgeon about benefits, risks, and alternatives.
Before orthopedic surgery, ask your surgeon to explain the expected benefits, potential risks, and available alternatives, including nonsurgical treatments. Discuss how the procedure may affect your pain, mobility, and daily activities, as well as what recovery will involve. Understanding these details can help you weigh your options and make an informed decision that fits your health needs and goals.
Share your medical history and medication list.
Before orthopedic surgery, give your care team a complete and up-to-date medical history and medication list. Include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, allergies, past surgeries, and any chronic conditions. This information helps your surgeon and anesthesia team plan care, identify possible medication interactions or other risks, and decide whether any medicines need to be adjusted before or after surgery. Don’t stop or change a medication unless your healthcare team tells you to.
Follow pre-surgery instructions from your care team.
Following your care team’s pre-surgery instructions can help you prepare safely for orthopedic surgery and reduce the risk of complications. These directions may cover when to stop eating or drinking, how to take your medications, and what to bring on the day of your procedure. If anything is unclear or your health changes before surgery, contact your care team for guidance rather than guessing or changing your routine on your own.
Arrange a ride home and help during recovery.
Before orthopedic surgery, arrange for someone to drive you home, since anesthesia and pain medications can make driving unsafe. It’s also helpful to plan for support during the early stages of recovery, such as assistance with meals, errands, household tasks, or getting around. Ask your care team what kind of help you may need and for how long, as recovery needs vary depending on the procedure.
Understand your pain-control plan before surgery.
Before orthopedic surgery, talk with your care team about how pain will be managed during recovery. Ask which medications or other methods may be used, how and when to take them, what side effects to watch for, and whom to contact if your pain is not controlled. Share your current medications, allergies, and any history of medication sensitivity or substance use so the team can tailor the plan to your needs. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare and use pain treatments safely.
Follow wound-care instructions to help prevent infection.
Follow your surgeon’s wound-care instructions carefully to help lower the risk of infection and support healing. Keep the incision clean and dry as directed, change dressings according to instructions, and wash your hands before touching the area. Don’t apply creams or ointments unless your care team recommends them. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice increasing redness, warmth, swelling, worsening pain, drainage, or a fever.
Attend follow-up visits and physical therapy.
Attend all follow-up visits and physical therapy appointments after orthopedic surgery. Follow-up visits allow your care team to monitor healing, address concerns, and adjust your treatment plan, while physical therapy can help restore strength, flexibility, and mobility. Follow your provider’s guidance on exercises and activity levels, and let the care team know if you experience worsening pain or unexpected symptoms.
Contact your care team about concerning symptoms.
Contact your care team if you notice symptoms that concern you after orthopedic surgery, such as worsening pain, increasing redness or swelling, drainage from the incision, fever, numbness, or trouble moving the affected area. Follow the specific instructions you received, since warning signs can vary by procedure. Seek emergency care for severe symptoms, such as chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or heavy bleeding.
