Orthopedic Surgery FAQ - Ortho Westmount

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Frequently Asked Questions

When can I complete the COVID-19 test?

Due to the unpredictable situation, health guidelines have recently been changed. As ofJanuary 2022, COVID-19 testing is again required for all patients and accompanying persons(allowed at the hotel only), despite the number of vaccinations received.
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The COVID-19 test must be done within 3 days prior to surgery. A test done outside of therequested time frame will not be accepted. In addition, the test is a mandatory PCR test(nasopharyngeal or by gargle). Rapid tests are not accepted.
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If you are traveling by plane or train to Montreal, the COVID-19 test must be completed atyour destination. Please allow for this extra time when planning your stay.

You have the option of completing the test at the surgical centre (at a cost of $200) or at thepublic system testing clinics. If you are interested in completing the test with us, please notifythe clinic to arrange an appointment. If you are planning to do the test on your own, eitherprivately or in the public system, please inquire about the time frame for obtaining the resultsas you will be responsible for sending us the results before the day of your surgery.

Once the test is completed, it is imperative to isolate yourself.

Can I continue my medication before or after the surgery?

Medications to be discontinued prior to surgery include anti-inflammatory drugs (Aspirin,Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Naproxen, etc.), hormonal supplements (such as birth control pills),muscle relaxants, and any medications to be discontinued as requested by the surgeon duringthe pre-operative consultation.

Most common medications such as those for high blood pressure, depression, hypothyroidism,cholesterol, diabetes, or acid reflux can be continued without problems.

On the morning of the surgery, the medications to be continued or omitted will be discussedduring the preoperative call with the nurse.

When do I get the admission time for my surgery?

Your admission time for the day of surgery will be confirmed by email approximately one weekprior to surgery. The nurse needs to discuss with all patients on the same day of surgery toschedule surgeries as certain medical conditions require prioritizing the surgery.

Where can I get the technical aids I need for my recovery?

Technical aids that are essential are a walker, a pair of crutches and a raised toilet seat.

If you live in the province of Quebec, we will make a request on your behalf for the borrowingof equipment from the CLSC in your area. Since the equipment and the borrowing service areoffered by the CLSCs, we cannot guarantee their availability.

If you live outside the province of Quebec or if the CLSC cannot lend you the necessarymaterials, you can obtain them as follows:

- For walkers and crutches (rental or purchase): in pharmacies or sports/orthopedic stores
- For the raised toilet seat (purchase only): in specialized stores like Médicus
http://medicus.ca/

Can I continue my medication before or after the surgery?

When do I get the admission time for my surgery?

Your admission time for the day of surgery will be confirmed by email approximately one week prior to surgery. The nurse needs to discuss with all patients on the same day of surgery to schedule surgeries as certain medical conditions require prioritizing the surgery.

Where can I get the technical aids I need for my recovery?

Do you need a referral to see an orthopedic surgeon in Canada?

To see an orthopedic surgeon in a private clinic, no referral is required. A referral from a primary care physician or other licensed healthcare practitioner is required to see an orthopedic surgeon through a public healthcare system.

Do orthopedic surgeons always recommend surgery?

The decision to undergo surgery is shared between the patient and the surgeon. Many conditions are self-limiting, meaning they resolve with time. In other cases, the disease or injury are best treated with nonoperative management such as physical therapy and pain medications. However, certain conditions such as severe osteoarthritis, are best treated with surgery. When a surgery is recommended, it is important to consider the risks and benefits of the surgery. Certain patient factors, like a history of heart or kidney issues, affect someone’s fitness for surgery. It is important to discuss the risks and expectations prior to undergoing surgery.

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How many hours does an orthopedic surgery take?

This depends on the nature of the surgery. Certain arthroscopic procedures can be done in less than an hour, such as partial meniscectomies (removing torn meniscal cartilage) or rotator cuff repair. Joint replacement surgeries can be performed in about 1.5-2 hours. Revision arthroplasty can take over 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the prosthetic joint being revised.

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