Preparing for your Orthopaedic Surgery

When hospitalisation is required we are able to offer the resources and education you need to make this period as straight forward as possible.

Planning ahead will ensure you will feel more relaxed coming into hospital for your surgery and upon your return home.

Our orthopaedic liaison nursing staff will arrange to meet with you and your partner or family member to discuss your particular needs. Alternatively, a phone consultation can be arranged for patients, if this is more convenient.

As everybody’s circumstances are different, this service allows you to ask the questions that are important to you regarding your surgery and hospitalisation. This is generally referred to as your “pre-admission” appointment.

  • Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor or the Orthopaedic liaison nurse at your next appointment.
  • Read all the literature given to you by your doctor, regarding your surgery.
  • If recommended or if you have other health problems, make an appointment to see the anaesthetist prior to admission to hospital. Make sure you take a list (including dosage) of the medications you are currently taking. The surgeon’s rooms may arrange this for you.
  • Most hospitals offer a pre-admission service to discuss any queries or concerns you may have regarding surgery and hospitalisation. Make an appointment to tour the facility of choice before admission and take in your admission information at this time.
  • If you are a smoker it is advisable to stop smoking, or at least reduce the number of cigarettes that you smoke, in order to reduce the risk of chest and circulation problems after surgery. Hospitals are smoke free zones.
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs including Voltaren, Feldene, Naprosyn, Celebrex and Aspirin should not be taken for 7 days prior to surgery as they may affect the way your blood clots.
  • If you are taking anti-platelet medication, please check with your doctor prior to surgery.
  • If you are taking Warfarin, your doctor will advise you when to stop. Generally it will be 4-5 days prior to surgery and you will be required to have a blood test on the day of surgery to assess the clotting time of your blood.
  • Your doctor may provide some exercises that you can start to help tone up your muscles prior to surgery.
  • If you have any concerns or queries you can contact us on (08) 8267 8267.
  • Plan for your homecoming by arranging transport for the discharge day. If you live alone make sure someone can be with you for a night or two.
  • Take the time to look around your home to make sure it will be a safe environment for you, on your discharge from hospital.
  • Position furniture to give clear walkways and roll up any rugs that might cause you to slip.
  • Put commonly used items within reach in your kitchen and bathroom to reduce the need to kneel or bend (particularly after hip or knee replacement surgery).
  • The Orthopaedic liaison nursing staff can arrange walking aids and other bathroom or toilet aids after your pre-admission appointment.
  • Your need for Home Nursing or other community services will be assessed and arranged prior to your discharge if necessary.

If you have any concerns or queries you can contact us on (08) 8267 8267.