FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is arthroscopic surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed today. Through the use of small instruments and cameras, an orthopedic surgeon can visualize, diagnose and treat problems within the joints. One or more small incisions are made around the joint to be viewed. The surgeon inserts an instrument called an arthoscope into the joint. The arthoscope contains a fiber optic light source and small television camera that allows the surgeon to view the joint on a television monitor and diagnose the problem, determine the extent of injury, and make any necessary repairs. Other instruments may be inserted to help view or repair the tissues inside the joint.
What happens during rotator cuff surgery?
Shoulder surgery for rotator cuff problems usually involves one or more of the following procedures: debridement, subacromial decompression, rotator cuff repair.
Debridement clears damaged tissue out of the shoulder joint.
Subacromial decompression involves shaving bone or removing spurs underneath the tip of the shoulder blade (acromion). This creates more room in the space between the end of the shoulder blade and the upper arm bone so that the rotator cuff tendon is not pinched and will glide smoothly.
If the rotator cuff tendon is torn, it is sewn together and reattached to the top of the upper arm bone.
What is an ACL reconstruction?
ACL reconstruction is a surgical procedure that repairs a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), one of the four ligaments that helps stabilize the knee. The ligament is reconstructed using a tendon that is passed through the inside of the knee joint and secured to the upper leg bone (femur) and one of the two lower leg bones (tibia).
The tendon used for reconstruction is called a graft and can come from different sources. It is usually taken from the patient’s own patella, hamstring, quadriceps, or it can come from a cadaver. ACL reconstruction is most often performed through arthroscopic surgery.
Can I smoke?
No, you must remain NPO (nothing by mouth) for at least 8 hours prior to your surgery, this includes gum. When you chew gum before surgery, it significantly increases the production of gastric fluids in the stomach, which can then lead to vomiting or aspiration of the fluids into the lungs.
What medications do I take before surgery?
Go over your medication routine with your physician during your pre-operative visit. Do not make any changes to your routine unless otherwise advised by your physician.
Why does someone need to stay with me during my procedure?
Although we don’t anticipate an emergency, we need a reference person available to make any necessary decisions.
When can I go home?
As soon as you have met our recovery room guidelines for discharge and you feel comfortable enough. You may still feel a little sleepy when you leave the center, but this is perfectly normal following anesthesia.
When can I shower?
This will depend on the procedure you will be having. Written instructions will be given to you and your ride home following the procedure and you will receive a copy before being discharged home.
When will I see my doctor next?
See the answer to When can I shower? above
What do I wear on surgery day?
Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. For shoulder or breast augmentation surgery, you should wear a button-down shirt and for any surgery below the waist, you should wear shorts or very loose pants.
Why can’t I wear make-up or nail polish?
Make-up makes the application of monitors needed during surgery difficult to apply to the head and neck area. It also puts you at risk for introducing the make-up into your eyes, nose or mouth. Nail polish can disrupt the function of anesthesia monitors needed during surgery.
If I have already paid money to my doctor’s office, do I still need to pay TSC?
Yes, we are two separate entities and as a courtesy we bill your insurance company. We do verify your insurance coverage benefits and attempt to notify you of your estimated financial responsibility prior to surgery which we expect to be paid in full by the day of surgery.
|
