How Long Before Surgery Do You Need Clearance?
Yes, surgical clearance is typically required within 30 days of your scheduled procedure. While many surgeons prefer the evaluation to be completed 14 to 21 days in advance, the “30-day rule” is the standard window for most hospitals and insurance providers. This timeframe ensures that your lab results and EKG are current while still providing […]
Which Surgery is Harder: Rotator Cuff or Total Shoulder Replacement?
Yes, many patients are surprised to learn that rotator cuff repair is often considered “harder” in terms of recovery and post-operative pain than a total shoulder replacement. While a shoulder replacement is a more invasive bone procedure, it typically results in faster pain relief. In contrast, a rotator cuff repair requires the biological healing of […]
What Should You Not Do Before Rotator Cuff Surgery?
Yes, there are several critical restrictions you must follow before rotator cuff surgery to ensure a safe procedure and minimize the risk of complications like excessive bleeding or infection. Most importantly, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight before your surgery, and you must avoid certain medications and supplements that can interfere with […]
What Are the Restrictions After Meniscus Surgery?
Yes, restrictions after meniscus surgery are critical to ensure the knee heals properly and to prevent the repair from failing. Depending on whether you had a meniscus repair (stitching the tissue) or a meniscectomy (trimming the tissue), you will face 4–6 weeks of limited weight-bearing and must use crutches or a knee brace. Following these […]
How Long is ACL and Meniscus Surgery?
Yes, a combined ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair surgery typically takes between 1.5 to 3 hours to complete. Because these procedures are almost always performed arthroscopically (using small incisions and a camera), they are generally outpatient surgeries, meaning you can return home the same day. The exact duration depends on whether the meniscus requires a […]
Do You Need Cardiac Clearance for Knee Surgery?
Yes, cardiac clearance is often a necessary component of the pre-operative process, especially for patients with a history of heart conditions or those over a certain age. While not every patient requires a specialized cardiology consult, nearly everyone undergoing knee replacement or reconstruction needs a pre-operative cardiac screening to ensure their heart can safely handle […]
What Do You Need Before ACL Surgery?
Yes, preparing for ACL surgery requires a combination of physical preparation, medical clearance, and home readiness to ensure a successful reconstruction and recovery. Before you head into the operating room, you must complete a pre-operative evaluation to confirm your body is healthy enough for anesthesia and the surgical stress of ligament repair. At Sahara West […]
What is the Pre-Op Clearance for Hip Replacement?
What is the Pre-Op Clearance for Hip Replacement? Yes, pre-op clearance for hip replacement is a specialized medical evaluation required to ensure you are physically prepared for the demands of joint replacement surgery and general anesthesia. This assessment must typically be completed by a qualified healthcare provider within 30 days of your procedure to provide […]
What Tests are Done Before Knee Replacement Surgery?
Yes, several diagnostic tests are required before knee replacement surgery to ensure your body is prepared for the procedure and the recovery process. These tests, collectively known as pre-operative screening, help your surgical team identify any underlying health issues that could increase the risk of infection or complications during anesthesia. At Sahara West Urgent Care, […]
Do You Need a Pre-Op Before Knee Surgery?
Yes, a pre-operative (pre-op) evaluation is a mandatory requirement before undergoing knee surgery. This medical clearance ensures you are physically prepared for anesthesia and the surgical procedure itself. Typically, this assessment must be completed within 30 days of your scheduled surgery to provide your surgeon with the most current snapshot of your health. At Sahara […]