Thanks to advanced technology and newer anesthesia methods, many kinds of surgery are performed on an outpatient basis so patients can go home that same day. So much so that it’s now possible to treat the majority of orthopaedic procedures on an outpatient basis. At MidAmerica Orthopaedics, for example, the majority of patients facing surgery will head to the Ambulatory Surgery Center for their same-day procedures.

However, the type of procedure, which method of anesthesia it will require, and the level of pain management needed may also determine whether you stay overnight. Procedures with larger incisions, such as certain total hip or knee joint replacement surgeries, are more likely to require the patient to stay overnight for observation. The patient’s age and medical history may also determine whether they can expect an inpatient or outpatient experience.

Knee and Hip Arthroplasty

Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure that involves realigning, replacing or remodeling the articular surface of a musculoskeletal joint. Thousands of knee and hip surgeries are performed each year to restore function to patients. Even if you need a joint replacement to replace severely degenerated cartilage in your knee or hip with implants, there’s a chance you can go home that same day. 

These are complex procedures that used to require more postoperative care. However, despite their complexity, hip and knee arthroplasties are increasingly being performed as same-day procedures. If you’re experiencing significant pain and stiffness due to osteoarthritis, a fracture, or another condition, you can probably look forward to spending the night in your own bed.  

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery is often performed on the hands, shoulders, feet and ankles of athletes who have experienced a mild fracture. This type of surgery is sometimes necessary to remove fragments of broken bone from the joint area, resulting in a smaller incision than with regular surgery.

But repetitive motion injuries that build up over time can also be repaired through an arthroscopic procedure. If you are undergoing a mini-open rotator cuff repair – which is similar to that of the open rotator cuff repair – your surgeon will likely use an arthroscopic camera to examine the damaged area. Due to the smaller incisions and shorter recovery time, these types of procedures are typically outpatient, as well.

Meniscus Repair

You may have heard that a torn meniscus is a serious injury for which surgery will take at least several months to heal. While this is often the case, there are different approaches to meniscus surgery, one of which is arthroscopic. Like other arthroscopic procedures, this one typically has you home on the same day.

With arthroscopy to repair a meniscus, the surgeon creates a series of small openings in the skin. An arthroscope – a small tube containing a tiny video camera – is placed through one of the openings so the surgeon can see inside your knee, evaluate the cartilage, and remove any loose fragments of tissue. Surgical tools are placed through the other openings. Generally, once the openings are closed and the knee is bandaged up, patients are monitored for a brief time before they are allowed to go home.

Other Common Outpatient Procedures Performed at MidAmerica’s Palos Hills Ambulatory Surgery Center

There is a very long list of surgeries that tend to be same-day procedures. If you need one of them, keep in mind that your recovery process will likely require many steps, including a proper diagnosis, therapies, possible pain management, and follow-up doctor visits. Other common outpatient procedures include:

• Foot and Ankle Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Shoulder Surgery
• Wrist Surgery
• Elbow Surgery

The Palos Hills Surgery Center at MidAmerica Orthopaedics offers a comprehensive program of high-quality, cost-effective care. It’s also convenient. Even though your procedure may be outpatient, a team of professionals will be onsite at the same location to ensure that your experience exceeds your expectations.

At other facilities, one of these procedures can take patients to a satellite location far from where they are seeking treatment for the same injury. Having all your care under one roof is not just convenient, but it also can speed up the outpatient recovery process. MidAmerica provides both an Orthopaedic Immediate Care facility and Occupational Medicine programs so patients can receive a whole spectrum of care from a team of Orthopaedic Specialists.

If you’re considering outpatient surgery, contact MidAmerica Online or call our Palos hills location at 708-237-7290 to ask questions or schedule an appointment. We see patients from many communities, including Evergreen Park, Burbank, Alsip, Bridgeview, Frankfort, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Homer Glen, New Lenox, Oak Lawn, and Worth.