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• You will receive a call from the hospital confirming your pre-admission clinic visit. At this visit you will complete any pre-op bloodwork, meet with anesthesia, and confirm your arrival time for surgery 

• Ensure your pre-operative package is completed, including a copy of your complete health history (CPP) from your family physician 

• Consider any necessary medical supplies you may need after surgery (crutches, waterproof shower bag (knee), or Game Ready cold / compression ice therapy system). You may inquire with Kate or OrthoRx regarding arranging for rental of a Game Ready system 

• Please contact us as early as possible if you are sick the week of your surgery

• Do not eat after midnight before your surgery 

• You MAY take necessary medications with sips of CLEAR fluids (water, apple juice)

• Wear comfortable / loose fitting clothing 

• Bring your SURGICAL PACKAGE and your up to date Health card

• You must have a responsible adult available to take you home and stay with you overnight.

• Please arrive 2 hours prior to your surgical time to check in, at the 2nd floor surgical services location (section G)

• Bring your GAMEREADY device, crutches, sling or brace if applicable

• Leave your dressings intact for 3-5 days post-operative, unless instructed otherwise

  • After this, you may apply a clean dressing daily

  • You may shower at 3-5 days post-operative; after showering, gently pat your incision dry and place a clean dressing. Do not place any creams, etc. on the incision. 

  • DO NOT submerge your incision in water until the wound has completely healed and all of the scabs are gone (generally around 3 weeks)

• Eat a healthy diet and stay well hydrated as you recover from surgery

• Some post-operative pain is normal - please follow the instructions given by Dr. Matthies regarding pain medications. IF you are concerned that your pain is not in keeping with normal post-operative pain, please contact the office and / or go to be assessed at the nearest ER

  • If prescribed ASA 81 mg OR antibiotics, complete the FULL course of these medications unless an adverse reaction is noted. All other pain medications may be tapered as your pain improves.​

• Your post-operative clinic appointment will be at the Fracture clinic (see Fracture clinic FAQ)