If you’re suffering from a bone or tissue injury, orthopedic surgery may be the best option for getting back to full health. At Mattalino Orthopaedic, we offer a range of orthopedic procedures that can help our patients find relief. Our orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix, AZ is here to answer your questions and concerns about orthopedic surgery.
How Should You Prepare for Orthopedic Surgery?
Prior to orthopedic surgery, it is important to follow the specific pre-operative instructions that the doctor provides. During your initial consultation, Dr. Mattalino will give you a detailed list of things to do and avoid to ensure that you are optimally prepared for the surgery. In general, there are some preparatory steps that should be taken prior to almost any orthopedic surgical procedure, including:
Disclose Any Prescription Drugs You’re Taking
In the initial consultation, we will typically ask you about any drugs you are currently taking. However, if you start a new medication or supplement in the days leading up to your appointment, it is essential that you let us know so we can properly assess the risk and safety of performing the procedure.
There are certain types of medications that should generally be avoided prior to surgery. These include anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Anticoagulants
Anticoagulants such as warfarin and heparin work by inhibiting the body’s ability to form clots in order to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in veins or arteries. However, when taken before surgery, they can cause excessive bleeding during or after the procedure due to their effect on clotting factors.
Antiplatelet Agents
Aspirin belongs to a class of drugs called antiplatelets, which inhibit platelets from sticking together and forming clots. But when taken prior to a surgical procedure, it can increase the risk of excessive bleeding during the operation because it prevents the body from forming adequate clots needed for normal healing following surgery.
NSAIDs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and celecoxib reduce pain and inflammation, but they may also interfere with normal coagulation processes necessary for healing after orthopedic surgery.
To ensure optimal safety during an orthopedic procedure, we recommend avoiding these drugs at least seven days before surgery. This timeframe can vary from person to person depending on factors such as type of drug and its prescribed dosage strength.
Abstain From Smoking
Smoking can decrease the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues around an incision, increasing the risk of infection and wound-healing complications. Tobacco use can also interfere with the body’s ability to form strong tissue connections, thus slowing the process of bone fusion. This is especially true when dealing with joint replacement surgery or spinal fusion, as nicotine slows the production of osteoblasts.
Furthermore, smoking increases the levels of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH). This can lead to fluid retention in the soft tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, leading to increased swelling following surgery. Lastly, if a person smokes just before, they are much more likely to experience anesthesia-related complications such as an increased heart rate, abnormal blood pressure, and decreased oxygenation of their body tissues.
When You Should Stop Smoking
To properly prepare for your surgical procedure and reduce the risk of any adverse reactions or complications with anesthesia, we recommend that you avoid smoking for at least four weeks prior to your operation. Doing so will also improve your health overall and reduce other surgical risks, such as those related to wound healing and infections.
Avoid Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can have an adverse effect on the body’s ability to clot blood, which could lead to significant bleeding during and after the surgery. This could delay healing time and increase the risk of infection. Furthermore, long-term alcohol consumption can reduce bone formation and weaken the underlying bone structure being operated on. This could compromise the stability of any implants used in the procedure, such as anchors or plates.
Additionally, consuming alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of anesthesia and other medications used during surgery. Therefore, we recommend abstaining from drinking any alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours before undergoing an orthopedic surgical procedure. Doing so will allow you to prepare your body for a successful operation better and maximize your chances of achieving favorable results.
Get Necessary Blood Tests and Imaging Studies Done
Getting necessary blood tests and imaging studies done before orthopedic surgery can be vital for the success of a procedure. At Mattalino Orthopedics, we have a state-of-the-art lab facility with experienced lab technicians to ensure accuracy and high-quality results. When you come in for an initial consultation, Dr. Mattalino, our specialist orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix, AZ, will send you to the lab for certain tests.
However, he may also schedule other tests to be done at a different time and date. Showing up for testing at these times is just as important as attending your initial consultation. The results of these tests will provide key information about your condition that will help Dr. Mattalino determine the best course of treatment for you.
Types of Tests
Blood tests are important because they help provide insight into your overall health, including any potential underlying health conditions or diseases that might complicate surgery. Your blood may also contain markers that are indicators of how well your body metabolizes drugs and how it will respond to medications used in anesthesia or during recovery from surgery.
Imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds are essential in helping Dr. Mattalino pinpoint the exact location and size of any damage done to tendons, bones, joints, or ligaments. These images may also indicate areas where there is decreased activity or strain due to bone spurs.
Avoid Eating or Drinking Anything on the Day of the Operation
It is important to avoid eating or drinking anything on the day of orthopedic surgery. This will help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal complications and aspiration pneumonia. Eating heavy food and then lying on your back can increase the amount of stomach acid, which can lead to nausea and vomiting during the operation.
Additionally, having food in your stomach can slow down anesthesia recovery times. We recommend that you abstain from food or drink for at least 8-12 hours prior to any orthopedic surgery.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet prior to surgery helps improve your body’s overall resilience, increases your energy levels, and reduces the risks associated with an invasive procedure. A nutritious diet will also help speed up recovery after the operation by providing essential nutrients that aid tissue regeneration.
Foods rich in calcium play a key role in bone health, making them particularly beneficial for those having orthopedic surgery. Omega-3 fatty acids can also be beneficial as they reduce inflammation in the joints, leading to improved mobility. Vitamins are also essential for pre-surgery preparation. Vitamin C aids wound healing, and Vitamin D helps regulate calcium absorption, both of which are crucial for post-op recovery.
Get Enough Rest and Sleep
Without proper sleep and rest, the body does not have sufficient time to repair itself, leading to weakened immunity and increased stress levels. When preparing for surgery, it is crucial to get adequate rest so that the body has enough energy to fight infection and heal itself post-operation. A good night’s rest also helps reduce symptoms of anxiety before the operation.
We recommend getting at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep a night to ensure optimal well-being before undergoing any operation.
Wear Comfortable Clothes on the Day of the Operation
When you visit our orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix, AZ for an initial consultation, he will advise you on ways to ensure you have a comfortable experience during the operation. Wearing loose clothing is one such measure, as it will give you the flexibility and ease of movement needed while undergoing your orthopedic procedure. Furthermore, comfortable clothing ensures there are no pressure points on your body which may lead to discomfort.
Get in Touch With an Orthopedic Surgeon in Phoenix, AZ
From shoulder injury repair to ACL reconstruction and beyond, orthopedic treatments (both surgical and nonsurgical) can make a huge difference in improving your quality of life. We strive to ensure that each patient receives the personalized attention they need, from diagnosis through recovery. If you’re looking to get in touch with an orthopedic surgeon in Phoenix, AZ, we are here for you. Contact Mattalino Orthopaedic and let us help you get back on your feet faster.