FAQs

When can I return to daily activities?

This varies depending on the type of procedure undergone and can range from a few days to a few months. Return to all activities, sports and exercise can take up to four to six months. Your doctor will advise you depending on your particular health condition.

What should I bring with me when I come for an appointment?

When you come for your appointment remember to bring the following:

• Driver’s License or a valid ID
• Insurance information
• Referral Letter (if required)
• Reports, X-rays, MRI’s, CT scans etc. and any other relevant information
• List of medications (if any)

How do I schedule an appointment?

Simply call us at  during our working hours or you can request an appointment online using this form.

Do I need a referral to make an appointment?

Most medical specialists will accept only referred patients. This is mainly to try to ensure that the specialist you are seeing is appropriate for you and your condition. Check with your insurance company to see if a referral is necessary.

What to bring for your initial consultation?

For your initial consultation you will need to bring a referral letter from your physician if necessary.

Here is check list for your initial consultation

• Driver’s License or a valid ID
• Insurance information
• Referral Letter (if required)
• Reports, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans etc. and any other relevant information
• List of medications (if any)

We encourage you to come to your initial consultation with a written list of questions to ensure you don’t forget to ask them when you are seeing the doctor.

Are my medical records kept private and confidential?

Your medical file is handled with the utmost respect for your privacy. Our staff is bound by strict confidentiality requirements as a condition of employment regarding your medical records. We will not release the contents of your medical file without your consent.

How long do I need time off work after the surgery?

The post-operative recovery period varies based on the particular surgery. Generally, it is recommended patients take two weeks off work to recover from any surgery and to resume light duty following resumption of work. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to follow for a successful recovery.

How long before I can resume driving?

You should wait at least one week before driving after surgery. The effects of anaesthetic and surgery can affect judgment and reflexes during the first week following your surgery. Your surgeon will provide more specifics for your particular situation.

When can I resume exercise?

Your doctor will instruct you about post-treatment exercises – the type and the duration to be followed. You may be referred to a physical therapist to help with strengthening and range of motion exercises following surgery.

How do I contact after hours?

There will be a point of contact 24 hours a day for any concerns you may have. You will be provided with contact details following your treatment.

What is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure during which the internal structure of a joint is examined for diagnosis and treatment of problems inside the joint.

What conditions are treated with arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic examination of joints is helpful in diagnosis and treatment of the following conditions:

• Inflammation: Synovitis, the inflammation of the lining of the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or ankle.
• Acute or chronic injury: Injuries to the shoulder, knee and wrist joint such as cartilage tears, tendon tears, carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Osteoarthritis: A type of arthritis caused by cartilage loss in a joint.
• Removal of loose bodies of bone or cartilage that becomes logged within the joint.

How is arthroscopy performed?

During arthroscopic surgery, either a general, spinal, or a local anesthesia will be given depending on the condition. A small incision of the size of a buttonhole is made through which the arthroscope is inserted. Other accessory incisions will be made through which specially designed instruments are inserted. After the procedure is completed, arthroscope is removed, and incisions are closed.

What are the possible complications associated with arthroscopy?

Some of the possible complications after arthroscopy include infection, phlebitis (clotting of blood in vein), excessive swelling, bleeding, blood vessel, or nerve damage and instrument breakage.

What is the recovery process after arthroscopic surgery?

It may take several weeks for the puncture wounds to heal and the joint to recover completely. A rehabilitation program may be advised for a speedy recovery of normal joint function. You can resume normal activities and go back to work within a few days. You may be instructed about the incision care, activities to be avoided, and exercises to be performed for faster recovery.

Will physical therapy be required after surgery?

Getting a full range of motion, strength, and flexibility back after surgery usually takes time. That is where pre-operative exercise, education, and post-operative physical therapy programs come in – to ensure you are physically and emotionally prepared for surgery and to maximize your recovery after surgery.

What are the common spinal conditions that cause low back pain?

Low back pain is often a common symptom of most spinal conditions which can result from sudden injury to the muscles, ligaments, bones, and nerves in your spine. Common spinal conditions that can cause low back pain include herniated disc, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, kyphosis, muscle strain or spasm and fracture of the spine caused by osteoporosis. Rarely, arthritic conditions of the spine, spine tumors and infections (osteomyelitis, discitis) can also cause low back pain.

What is degenerative disc disease?

This is a condition where the intervertebral discs, the gel-like material between the vertebrae, has begun to wear out due to aging, repetitive stress, smoking, genetics, etc. In most circumstances the cause is multi-factorial, and unless there is compression of the nerves or spinal cord, it will not improve with surgery. It is a very common condition that may not cause symptoms in many people.

What is a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is also called a bulging disc, ruptured disc, or slipped disc. It occurs when the inner core of the spinal disc pushes out through the outer layer of the disc. This causes pressure on nearby nerves leading to low back or neck pain depending on where the bulging disc is located.

What types of conditions warrant surgery?

Again, most patients who experience neck or back pain will not require surgery and will improve with conservative management. Pain that radiates down the arms or legs, and neurological signs such as weakness, numbness, balance difficulty, bowel/bladder problems, are some symptoms that may benefit from surgical decompression.

How do I know if I am a candidate for spine surgery?

The majority of degenerative conditions that may require or benefit from spinal surgery are those where there is pain that radiates down the arms or legs, have associated numbness or weakness, and have not improved with non-operative care. Spine surgery is considered as a last resort as many patients improve with more conservative treatments first. Your primary care physician should begin treatment with these modalities, and if things do not improve it is time to consult with a spine surgeon.

What are the advantages of minimally invasive surgery? Can spinal surgeries be using minimally invasive method?

Minimally invasive surgery is a technique where surgeries can be performed through small incisions with the use of special devices such as an arthroscope or laparoscope. The advantages of minimally invasive surgery include:

• Smaller incisions
• Shorter stay in the hospital
• Less post-operative pain
• Short recovery period
• Less damage to muscles and soft tissues
• Minimal blood loss during surgery
• Less risk of infection because of smaller cuts
• Spinal surgeries may also be done using minimally invasive techniques. Some of the spinal surgeries done by minimally invasive technique include:
• Spinal fusion
• Deformity correction (scoliosis)
• Herniated disc repair

Will physical therapy be required after surgery?

Obtaining full range of motion, strength and flexibility back after surgery usually takes time. That’s where pre-operative exercise and education and post-operative physical therapy programs come in – to ensure you’re physically and emotionally prepared for surgery and to maximize your recovery after surgery.

What are the post-operative precautions I need to practice following a spine surgery?

After the surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon may recommend you practice several measures to ensure the best recovery and avoid possible complications. Some of them include:

• No bending, lifting or twisting for three months following fusion surgery
• Do limit your activities
• Incision care – Keep the incisions clean and dry
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
• Follow the instructions given by your doctor regarding the medications to be taken

What are the non-surgical treatment options?

The non-surgical treatment options include rest, medications including analgesics and antibiotics, injections, and physical/occupational therapy.

What are the risks associated with surgery?

As with any surgery, risks include reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, stiffness and nerve damage. Your doctor will discuss the risks associated with your specific procedure.

What are the most common injuries?

The most common orthopaedic injuries are sprains and strains, fractures, and dislocations. Injuries can occur when playing indoor or outdoor sports or while exercising. Sports injuries can result from accidents, inadequate training, improper use of protective devices, or insufficient stretching or warm-up exercises.

What can happen if surgery is avoided?

Some complications of not undergoing an orthopaedic surgery for your condition include pain, loss of joint motion, joint weakness, numbness and an early onset of arthritis.