Frequently Asked Questions
What types of treatment does Houma Orthopedic Clinic perform?
We have grown to become a premier orthopedic, spine and sports injury management clinic
where care is provided by orthopedic surgeons. While solidly based on general orthopedics,
the group offers expertise covering a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions grouped by:
- Knee
- Shoulder
- Hand and Upper Limb
- Hip
- Lower Limb
- Spine
If I am referred from another physician what do I need to do?
If you have been referred, it will be your responsibility to obtain any previous X-Rays,
MRI's, CT, Operative Reports and any notes from previous physicians to take with you to
your doctor's appointment.
How long will it take to get tests or treatment scheduled and/or authorized?
Please allow 7-10 working days for your tests or procedures (MRI, bone scan, physical
therapy, etc) to be scheduled by Houma Orthopedic Clinic staff. Once your test or
procedure is scheduled, please schedule your follow up appointment with Houma Orthopedic
in order for you and your physician to determine further care.
If you have had an MRI performed somewhere other than Open MRI of Louisiana, please get
copies of these films and be sure to HAND CARRY the films to your appointment at Houma
Orthopedic Clinic. It is very important to keep these films in excellent condition.
How do I find out if surgery is right for me?
The decision to have surgery should only be made after discussion with your orthopedic
surgeon. The decision to have surgery is yours and should not be made in a rush. Make
the decision only when you are satisfied with the information you have received and
believe you have been well informed. Keep in mind that your surgeon cannot guarantee
that the surgery will meet all your expectations or that the surgery has no risks.
What are the risks of surgery?
All surgical procedures have risks, despite the highest standards of practice. While
your surgeon makes every attempt to minimize risks, complications can occur that may
have permanent effects. Surgeons will usually outline possible side effects or
complications of a surgical procedure. It is important that you have enough information
about possible complications to fully weigh the benefits and risks of surgery.
General risks of surgery include:
- Pain and discomfort around the incisions
- Wound infections and treatment with antibiotics
- Nausea, typically from the anesthetic - usually settles down quickly
- Heavy bleeding from the incisions
- Keloid scars - most scars fade and flatten, but some may become "keloid" and remain raised, itchy, thick and red
- Slow healing - most likely to occur in smokers and people with diabetes
- Separation of wound edges
- Allergies to anesthetic agents, antiseptic solutions, suture materials or dressings
If I need Surgery, what do I need to do?
Your physician will send paperwork to the surgery scheduler after a decision for surgery is
made.
If you need medical clearance prior to surgery, the physician's medical assistant will
instruct you in how to get the tests you need done.
If you do not need medical clearance tests done or your medical clearance is complete,
the surgery scheduler will call you to discuss your timeline for surgery and set up a
pre-op appointment if ordered by your physician.
If you have not heard from the surgery scheduler within one (1) week and you do not
need medical clearance, please contact Houma Orthopedic Clinic at (985) 868-1540.
How much will it cost?
You should discuss costs before treatment rather than afterwards. Ask your surgeon to
provide an estimate of the surgical fees that may apply. This can only be an estimate
because the actual treatment may differ from the proposed treatment. If further treatment
is needed due to complications or the patient chooses other options, extra costs are likely
to apply.
What happens before surgery?
Your surgeon needs to know your medical history to plan the best treatment. Fully disclose
any health problems you may have had.
You will have a physical examination to the test the range and muscle strength of the
problem area. An X-ray or MRI examination is performed to see how much damage is present.
To detect problems that could complicate surgery or anesthesia, blood tests may be taken.
Give the surgeon a list of all medicines you are taking or have recently taken. Include
prescription medicines and those bought "over the counter" without prescription. Include
medicines such as insulin, warfarin and contraceptive pills that are taken for long-term
treatments.
Do not take aspirin, medicines containing aspirin (such as cough syrups) or large amounts
of vitamins (particularly Vitamin E). You may be advised to stop taking anti-inflammatory
medicine 7 to 10 days before surgery. These may increase the risk of excessive bleeding
during and after surgery.
Your surgeon may prescribe drugs, such as antibiotics and small doses of blood-thinning
agents, to be administered prior to surgery.
Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery. Smoking increases surgical and anesthetic
risk and impairs healing.
What can I do after surgery to aid recovery?
Recovery takes time and depends on the type of surgical repair. You may be discharged
the same day of surgery, or you may have to stay in hospital overnight. After open
surgery, you may to stay in hospital 1 or 2 nights.
You will have a follow-up visit with your orthopedic surgeon in 7 to 10 days. You may
have difficulty with day-to-day activities for some time after surgery. An exercise
program is important to aid your recovery and begins soon after surgery. Make sure
that you follow all discharge instructions given to you.
Your therapist will design a program for you. It starts with gentle exercises that
gradually help you regain movement. With the advice from your therapist, you may later
start doing exercises that are intended to strengthen muscles based on your recovery.
You will also learn ways to avoid recurrent problems in the future.