Pre-Surgery Questions

Do I need surgery?

• Dr. Brady promises to treat you just as he would treat a family member...that being said, he will only recommend surgery if that is the treatment that is best for you and your condition.
• Some orthopaedic problems can be effectively treated with conservative measures such as injections, physical therapy, or activity modifications.  Other problems are extremely urgent and could necessitate surgery urgently.  Dr. Brady will

What are my OTHER options?

• Many orthopaedic operations are considered elective.  That being the case, there are usually three options.
  1. Live with your current problem. 
  2. Try conservative treatments such as medications, therapy, or activity modifications.
  3. Surgery

What are the RISKS of surgery?

• Any surgical procedure  caries with it some risks... these risks include but are not limited to:
  • Infection, continued pain, stiffness, failure of the original surgery, need for further surgery, nerve or vessel damage, failure of the bone or tissue to heal, failure of the bone or tissue to heal in the appropriate position, continued dysfunction despite surgery, medical risks, anesthesia risks, and more.

What are the BENEFITS of surgery?

• The purpose of surgery in the first place is to get BETTER!  Therefore the benefits of surgery generally include:
  • Improve (ie decrease or eliminate) pain
  • Improve function
  • Improve your anatomy (ie - try to get your body back to the way it is supposed to be in order to prevent future problems)
  •  

How do I schedule surgery?

• Once it is determined that you need surgery you can schedule a date and time for the procedure.  You can call Dr. Brady's assistant AMY to schedule.  If you schedule during one of your clinic visits you will schedule with Amy directly. 
• Generally Dr. Brady schedules surgeries approximately 3 or 4 weeks out.

How do I prepare for surgery?

• If you have certain medical problems, Dr. Brady may ask that you go to see your primary care physician or your cardiologist prior to your orthopaedic procedure.  If this is the case, please have your primary care physician send us a note or a letter stating that you will be able to have orthopaedic surgery.
• Enjoy a wonderful dinner the night before your surgery but STOP eating at midnight!
• If your surgery is a few weeks away, keep as comfortable as possible in the meantime.  If you're scheduled for shoulder or knee surgery, try not to let the joint get to stiff during this time...keep your motion up!
• Ask Dr. Brady EVERY question you can think of!  Call our office and if all your questions are not answered by Dr. Brady's assistants (DeAnne and Amy) then Dr. Brady will be sure to get your questions answered.