When your child is scheduled for pediatric orthopedic surgery, it’s natural to feel anxious and unsure of what to expect. Proper preparation can help ease the process and ensure that your child’s surgery goes as smoothly as possible. This guide provides tips and important pre-surgery instructions to help you get ready for your child’s orthopedic procedure.
Pre-surgery Checklist for Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
The days leading up to surgery are crucial for preparation. Your pediatric orthopedic surgeon will provide specific instructions, but here are key steps to help you prepare for your child’s surgery:
- Pre-admission Testing and Medical Clearances: It’s essential to complete all necessary pre-surgery tests and medical clearances within the designated time frame. This ensures that both the surgeon and the surgical facility are equipped to provide the best care. Inform the office about any medical conditions, allergies, previous surgeries, and medications your child takes. If there’s a change in your child’s health (e.g., cold or flu symptoms), notify the surgeon immediately.
- Check Insurance and Pre-certification Requirements: Contact your insurance company to confirm coverage for the surgery. Failing to do so could leave you financially responsible for the procedure. Our office will assist you with pre-certification, but verifying your insurance benefits is a necessary part of the surgery preparation process.
How to Prepare for Your Child’s Orthopedic Surgery
Helping your child feel comfortable about surgery can reduce anxiety and create a more positive experience. Here are some pediatric surgery preparation tips:
- Discuss What to Expect Before Surgery: Talk to your child about the surgery in an age-appropriate way. Explain what will happen and why the surgery is necessary, using simple terms they can understand. Reassure them that their doctors and nurses are there to help.
- Arrange for Time Off from School or Work: Make arrangements in advance for your child’s recovery. Request notes from the office if your child will need to miss school, gym, or other activities. If special accommodations such as a wheelchair or elevator pass are needed, contact your child’s school as soon as possible.
- Medication Instructions: Your surgeon will provide pre-surgery medication guidelines. In most cases, anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil, Aleve, and Motrin should be stopped two weeks before surgery. Tylenol is generally acceptable to take pre-operatively for pain. If you’re unsure about which medications to continue, consult our office for assistance.
- Stop Smoking: If anyone in your household smokes, it’s important to stop immediately. Smoking can interfere with anesthesia and post-operative healing, so it’s essential to create a smoke-free environment before surgery.
The Day of Pediatric Surgery: Important Tips
The day of surgery is a critical moment in the preparation process. Here’s what to expect:
- Fasting Guidelines: Patients must not consume food or drink (including water) after midnight the night before surgery. Infants under 12 months may have exceptions, but this should be discussed with the anesthesiologist ahead of time.
- What to Bring to Surgery: Make sure to bring your child’s insurance card, a valid ID (driver’s license for patients over 18, or ID of the accompanying parent for younger patients), and any referrals required by your insurance company.
- Meeting the Anesthesiologist: On the day of surgery, you’ll meet with the anesthesiologist, who will review your child’s medical history and ensure everything is in order before the procedure begins.
Post-surgery Care and Recovery at Home
After pediatric orthopedic surgery, proper recovery is key to your child’s healing process. Follow these post-surgery care tips:
- Ice and Elevate: After surgery, ice and elevate the affected area for the first two or three days to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Dressing Care: Remove surgical dressings according to the instructions provided by the surgeon or on the discharge sheet from the surgery facility. Steri-strips should be left on until they naturally fall off.
- Signs of Infection: Monitor the surgical site for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, drainage, or fever. If your child’s temperature exceeds 102 degrees, contact our office immediately.
Common Questions Parents Ask Before Pediatric Surgery
Parents often have many questions about how to prepare for pediatric orthopedic surgery. Here are some common concerns:
- Will My Child Need a Cast or Surgery? Depending on the type and severity of your child’s condition, surgery might not always be necessary. In some cases, casting or bracing can treat the issue. However, more complex fractures or misalignments may require surgical intervention to ensure proper healing and function.
- What to Expect During the Surgery: On the day of surgery, after meeting the anesthesiologist and the surgical team, your child will undergo the procedure. After surgery, the surgeon will speak with you to provide an update and discuss next steps. Family members can be with your child in the recovery room once they begin waking up.
- How to Prepare for Surgery Emotionally: Helping your child feel prepared emotionally is just as important as the physical preparation. Engage your child in simple conversations about what will happen, offer reassurance, and bring a comforting item like a favorite toy or blanket on the day of surgery.
Pediatric Orthopedic Pre-op Guidelines
Every surgery is different, but these pre-op guidelines for pediatric orthopedic surgery can help you stay organized and ensure a smooth process:
- Follow Pre-surgery Fasting Instructions: Ensure your child follows the specific fasting instructions provided by your pediatric orthopedic surgeon.
- Complete Pre-admission Testing on Time: Schedule any necessary tests or clearances as early as possible to avoid delays.
- Discuss Medications: Make sure you have a clear understanding of which medications to stop before surgery, and which are safe to take.
Contacting Your Pediatric Orthopedist: The Importance of Specialized Care
Selecting the right pediatric orthopedic practice is critical to your child’s health. Look for a practice with board-certified pediatric orthopedic surgeons, advanced technology like low-dose EOSedge imaging, and a reputation for family-centered care. Our team at The Pediatric Orthopedic Center is dedicated to providing expert care every step of the way, from pre-op testing to post-operative recovery.
For any questions or concerns about preparing for your child’s surgery, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’re here to help guide you through the process and ensure the best possible outcome for your child.
