Orthopedic Surgery Miami, FL

Orthopedic Surgeon Miami

When you’re a patient of Cesar E. Ceballos, MD, of OrthoMiami in Miami, you get the care you deserve from beginning to end. Dr. Ceballos and his expert team have extensive training in orthopedic surgery. To have a thorough assessment with a team member from OrthoMiami, call the office or book an appointment online. The team schedules orthopedic surgeries each week.

Orthopedic Surgery Q & A

Which injuries can be repaired with orthopedic surgery?

Dr. Ceballos is a dual board-certified orthopedic surgeon. His renowned team treats even the most complex of conditions. Some of the most common types of orthopedic surgeries that Dr. Ceballos and his team perform include:

Do I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after orthopedic surgery?

Probably, yes. While orthopedic surgery is essential for repairing bone and soft tissue breaks and tears, it won’t work on its own. You have to rebuild the area with gradual strength training and flexibility exercises.

Before you go in for surgery, Dr. Ceballos lets you know what to expect during recovery. If you do need physical therapy, he usually wants you to get started within a couple days of having orthopedic surgery. Most Miami physical therapy or rehabilitation plans require you to see your therapist several times each week, sometimes for several months.

What can I expect after surgery?

CARING FOR YOURSELF AT HOME
When you go home there are a variety of things you need to know for your safety, your speedy recovery and your comfort.

FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENT

You will normally have an appointment to follow-up with your surgeon between 1 and 3 days after surgery. Unless otherwise indicated.
This appointment should be made before surgery.

CONTROL YOUR DISCOMFORT / PAIN

If needed, take your pain medicine at least 30 minutes before physical therapy (do not drive while taking pain medication).
Gradually wean yourself from prescription medication to Tylenol/Acetaminophen. You may take two Extra-Strength Tylenol/Acetaminophen in place of your prescription medication up to 4 times per day.
Change your position every 45 minutes throughout the day. Use ice for pain control. Applying ice to your affected joint will decrease discomfort, but do not use more than 20 minutes at a time each hour. You can use it after your exercise program. A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a kitchen towel makes an ideal ice pack. Mark the bag of peas and return them to the freezer (to be used as an ice pack later). Caution: Do not apply ice directly onto your skin. Use a cloth between your skin and the ice bag.

Use ice for no more than 20 minutes at a time. 4-5 times daily.
Wrap ice with some compression (Ace bandage or other)
Remove ice immediately if any numbness or tingling occurs
Please note that prescription refills will only be made during normal office hours, Monday – Thursday 9:00AM to 5:00PM and Fridays 9:00AM to 3:00PM.

BODY CHANGES

Your appetite may be poor. Drink plenty of fluids to keep from getting dehydrated. Your desire for solid food will return.
You may have difficulty sleeping. This is normal. Don’t sleep or nap too much during the day so that you may sleep better for long periods of time at night.
Your energy level may initially be decreased for the first week or so.
Pain medication that contains narcotics promotes constipation. Use stool softeners or laxative such as milk-of-magnesia if necessary.

USE OF CRUTCHES / WALKER – LOWER EXTREMITY SURGERY

Use crutches/walker as instructed.
For most lower extremity surgeries, such as knee arthroscopy, you will be instructed not to apply significant weight to the operative lower extremity and use crutches/walker for the first 2-3 days. After 2-3 days you can gradually progress to full weightbearing and wean off the crutches/walker. Instructions on appropriate weight bearing and use of assisted device (crutches/walker) will be given.
After some surgeries, use of crutches/walker and not bearing weight to the operative extremity may be for a prolonged period of time (2-8 weeks). Instructions on appropriate weight bearing and use of assisted device (crutches/walker) will be given.
Physical therapy may instruct you on appropriate weight bearing and use of assisted device (crutches/walker).

USE OF SLING – UPPER EXTREMITY SURGERY

After most upper extremity surgeries your arm will be in some type of sling.
Unless otherwise instructed by your physician, you may remove the sling 2-3 times a day for 5-10 minutes. Removal of sling for hygiene purposes and for gentle range of motion exercises of your elbow as instructed. Shoulder pendulum exercises if instructed.

CARING FOR YOUR INCISION

Expect some swelling, but if swelling is a major problem please contact the surgeon’s office.
Common options for treatment of recurrent swelling may include the following:
1. Ice as instructed (do not apply directly to skin).
2. Elevated extremity.
3. Oral anti-inflammatory medication.
4. Continued use of compressive wrap (Ace bandage).
5. Possible removal of fluid from the joint.
If indicated use the compression wrap (Ace bandage) until it is evident that you do not need it. You will be guided by your physician or therapist. If Ace bandages are to tight, remove and reapply them loosely.
Keep your incision dry.
The incisions/portals may or may not have stitches or skin tape.
Keep your incision/portals covered with a light dressing/Band-Aid until your incision/portals closes. Usually 10-14 days.
You may shower only after receiving permission from your surgeon. After showering, apply a dry dressing/Band-Aid.
Notify your orthopedic surgeon in Miami if there is increased drainage, redness, pain, odor or heat around the incision.
Take your temperature if you feel warm or sick. Call your surgeon if it exceeds 101.5° F.
No swimming-pool/tub-bathing until incision has healed and is completely dry. Usually takes 2 weeks.

DRESSING CHANGE PROCEDURE

Wash your hands thoroughly. Really, wash them well, this is important!
Open all dressing change materials (sterile 4X4(s), etc.).
Remove old dressing.
Inspect incision for the following:

Increased redness.
Increase in clear drainage.
Yellow/green drainage / odor.
Surrounding skin is hot to touch.

Pickup 4×4 by one corner and lay over incision. Be careful not to touch the inside of the dressing that will lay over the incision. Or use Band-Aids as instructed.
Place one or two 4×4(s) over the incision (depending if drainage). Or use Band-Aids as instructed.

SIGNS OF INFECTION

Increased swelling, redness.
Change in color, amount, and odor of drainage.
Significantly increased pain in area.
Fever greater than 101.5° F.

PREVENTION OF INFECTION

Take proper care of your incision/portals as explained.

BLOOD CLOTS IN LEGS (DVT)

Inactivity after surgery may cause the blood flow to slow and pool in the veins of your legs, creating a blood clot. This is why you may have been instructed to take blood thinners (such as aspirin or Eliquil) after surgery (only if indicated). If a clot occurs despite these measures, you may need to be admitted to the hospital to receive intravenous blood thinners. Prompt treatment usually prevents the more serious complication of pulmonary embolus. Blood clots, although rare, may also occur in the upper extremities.

SIGNS OF BLOOD CLOTS IN LEGS

Swelling in thigh, calf or ankle that does not subside with elevation.
Pain and/or tenderness in calf. NOTE: Blood clots can form in either leg.

SIGNS OF BLOOD CLOTS IN ARMS

Swelling in the arm, forearm, hand, or fingers that does not subside with elevation.
Pain and tenderness and arm and/or forearm.

PREVENTION OF BLOOD CLOTS

Do the Foot and ankle pump exercises EVERY hour.
Be active and WALK for exercise!
Generally avoid being stagnant or inactive for more than 1 hour at a time.
If you are driving far or flying, try to get up and walk around once every hour.
Wear the compression (TED) stockings (if indicated as instructed).
Avoid sitting with your legs crossed.
Blood thinners such as Eliquis, or aspirin (if indicated).

PULMONARY EMBOLISM

Rarely, an unrecognized blood clot could break away from the wall of a vein and travel to the lungs. This is an EMERGENCY! CALL 911 if you notice the following signs or symptoms during unusual circumstances:

SIGNS OF PULMONARY EMBOLUS (PE)