Patient Education How is the decision to have surgery made? Prior to surgery, a variety of non-operative treatments will be utilized and can include; medications, bracing, physical therapy and occupational therapy. When appropriate, we will begin with these modalities. There are times when non-operative treatment is not an option, or non-operative treatment fails to relieve your symptoms. In this case, surgery will be recommended. Dr. Nissen will discuss in detail the risks, benefits and alternatives to surgery, and answer any questions you may have. The final decision whether or not to have surgery is yours to decide. What should I do to get ready for surgery? Pre-operative instruction sheet (file) It will be necessary for you to see your primary care physician (PCP) prior to scheduling surgery. Once you have seen your PCP, please call our surgery scheduler to proceed with the scheduling process. Once your surgery is scheduled, you will be given a surgery packet that will include a checklist of appointments. Please be sure to attend all scheduled appointments. In the event you miss an appointment, please call and notify the scheduler right away. Prior to surgery, please ensure that there are no scratches or blemishes at the operative site, as this may cause your surgery to be delayed or cancelled. What if I get sick before my surgery? If you feel ill before your surgery, call our office immediately. It may be necessary for you to see your PCP again prior to surgery. If you are running a fever, or have an illness that increases the risk of surgery, it may be necessary to delay the procedure for your safety. What are the risks of surgery? Risks of Surgery and Anesthesia (file) When will I be seen after surgery? For all outpatient procedures, your first post-operative follow-up appointment will be made before surgery and is included in your surgery packet. This appointment generally is 7-10 days after surgery. The purpose of this visit is to check the incision, remove any sutures or staples, discuss the surgical findings, and order physical therapy. In most cases you will be seen by Elizabeth Milne PA-C. If you have any questions or concerns prior to your first follow-up appointment, please call our office. Patient Instructions-Information Anesthesia for Hip and Knee Surgery Care of Casts and Splints (Spanish) Care of Casts and Splints Chondroitin Sulfate and Glucosamine Information Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Dental Work After a Joint Replacement Instructions for Canes, Crutches and Walkers Joint Injections Joint Replacement (Spanish) Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery Viscosupplementation Injections Postoperative Information for patients Post-operative medications Post-operative protocol for total hip replacement Post-operative protocol for total knee replacement Post-operative protocol for shoulder Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression Post-operative protocol for shoulder Rotator Cuff Repair Post-operative protocol for shoulder labral tear repair Post-operative protocol for knee arthroscopy Post-operative protocol for knee arthroscopic meniscal repair Post-operative protocol for knee arthroscopic microfracture Post-operative protocol for knee ACL repair Post-op instruction for ORIF of fractures Elbow and Forearm information for patients Elbow Fractures in Children Forearm Fractures in Children Lateral Epicondylitis Radial Head Fractures Foot and Ankle information for patients Achilles Tendinitis Ankle Fracture (Spanish) Ankle Fracture Ankle Sprain Plantar Fasciitis Hip and Thigh information for patients Activities After Hip Replacement Hip Bursitis Hip Fractures Hip Replacement Implants Osteoarthitis of the Hip Osteoarthitis of the Hip Total Hip Replacement Knee and Leg information for patients ACL Tear (Spanish) Activities After Total Knee Replacement Arthritis of the Knee (Spanish) Fractures of the Proximal Tibia Knee Arthroscopy Exercises (Spanish) Knee Arthroscopy Exercises Knee Arthroscopy Knee Osteoarthritis Ligamament Injuries of the Knee Meniscal Tear (Spanish) Meniscal Tear Osgood-Schlatter's Disease Patellofemoral Pain Supartz Brochure (Spanish) Supartz Brochure Torn ACL Total Knee Replacement (Spanish) Total Knee Replacement Exercises Total Knee Replacement Exericises (Spanish) Total Knee Replacement Implants Total Knee Replacement Unicompartmental Knee Osteoarthritis Visionaire Patient Matched Instrumentation for Knee Implant Surgery Shoulder and Arm information for patients Clavicle Fracture Glenoid Labrum Tear Rotator Cuff Impingement (Spanish) Rotator Cuff Impingement Rotator Cuff Tear Shoulder Arthritis Shoulder Dislocation Shoulder Exercises (Spanish) Shoulder Exercises Shoulder Fractures and Dislocations Total Shoulder Replacement Wrist and Hand information for patients Carpal Tunnel Syndrome De Quervain's Tendinitis Distal Radius Fractures Finger Fractures Scaphoid Fracture Trigger Finger Wrist Sprains Physical Therapy Protocols Post-op Protocol for Achilles Tendon Repair Post-operative Protocol for Shoulder Rotator Cuff Repair Post-op Physical Therapy Protocol for Shoulder Labral Repair Post-op Physical Therapy Protocol for Arthroscopic Partial Menisectomy Post-op PT Protocol for Arthroscopic Meniscal Repair Post-op Physical Therapy Protocol for Knee Microfracture Post-op Physical Therapy Protocol for Patellar Realignment Post-op Protocol for ACL Repair Physical Therapy Protocol for ACL Reconstruction Links American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons The American Journal of Sports Medicine The Arthritis Foundation Joint Replacement Orthopedic Research Society Orthopedics Today Arthroscopy Association of North America Smith and Nephew Orthopaedics American Journal of Sports Medicine Journal of the American Medical Association
	100 Hospital Drive, Suite 303 - Vallejo, CA 94589 Phone: 707-645-7210 Fax 707-645-7249