What To Expect If You Require Trauma Care

Before Surgery

Most patients requiring surgical stabilization of their fracture will be admitted to the hospital. Surgery will usually be performed within 24 hours of your admission; however, unusual circumstances could delay your procedure. You will undergo a medical work-up prior to surgery, and pain will be minimized as much as possible. You will not be allowed to eat or drink before surgery to optimize safety during your procedure. Just before surgery, you will be transported to the pre-op area where detailed conversations with your anesthesiologist and your orthopaedic surgeon will take place.

Pain Management

Your comfort before and after surgery is our priority. We will use a variety of methods to treat your pain including pain medications, peripheral nerve blocks, and treatment to the area of pain. These methods usually reduce pain significantly; however, some degree of discomfort often persists. Sometimes it is necessary to limit pain medications to avoid complications due to falls, respiratory depression, or confusion. Everyone on staff will attempt to achieve the optimum balance tailored specifically to you.

Physical Therapy

Nurses and physical therapists will try to get you moving as soon as possible after surgery. Studies clearly show that patients who mobilize early show improved outcomes. Many of the injuries we treat can be complicated by severe stiffness due to a lack of range of motion exercises. Be assured that in the interest of safety and fall prevention, exercises are done under the supervision of a trained physical therapist.

Where You Will Be Treated

Our doctors can treat you at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital or at Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon in their urgent care located at the Muskegon office. The urgent care center is staffed with fellowship-trained, primary care sports medicine physicians who also serve the area’s high school, semi-professional and professional sports teams. The center provides immediate access to specialty orthopaedic care, and although the majority of patients who come to our urgent care center can be treated on an outpatient basis, there are times when an injury may require a surgical solution. In that case, you will be referred to one of our orthopaedic surgeons right away so treatment can begin and you can return to your normal function as quickly as possible.

When You Are Discharged

Upon discharge, you will be given a list of instructions related to:

• Pain medications (you will be given a prescription for a specific type of medication)
• Medication for blood clot prevention (when appropriate)
• Instruction for dressing changes
• Weight-bearing instructions
• How to use braces or slings
• Appointment date/time for follow-up with your surgeon

Adjustment after surgery can be overwhelming. OAM licensed social worker Robyn Lehner can provide assessment, care coordination, resource management, and mental health support during your recovery. Robyn assists patients in working through social and economic demands that could potentially negatively impact the recovery process. 

Your recovery and satisfaction are important to us.  We encourage you to share your questions and concerns with members of your medical team throughout this process.