Orthopedic Anesthesia

Anesthesia for orthopedic surgery frequently combines regional anesthesia with either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The type of anesthesia will depend on the procedure being performed and its duration.

PTA’s anesthesiologists will develop an anesthesia plan that allows the patient to be safe and comfortable during the procedure and provides pain relief after it ends.

Day of Surgery:

• Your anesthesia team will meet with you before your procedure to review your medical history, to discuss the anesthesia plan and to answer questions.
• Depending on the type of surgery, you may receive a nerve block, also known as regional anesthesia, for postoperative pain management. Regional anesthesia involves an injection that will numb the nerves going to the area of your procedure.
• You will be lightly sedated and fully monitored before the nerve block.
• In the operating room, you may be lightly or heavily sedated depending on your preference, or you may receive general anesthesia with a small breathing tube or airway device, if necessary, for the procedure.
• Our anesthesia team will monitor vital signs, administer pain medications, if necessary, and ensure the highest standard of safety throughout the procedure.

After Surgery:

• You will be woken up and taken to the recovery room where close monitoring will continue.
• With a nerve block or regional anesthesia, you will require less pain medication after the procedure, making your recovery faster and with fewer side effects such as sleepiness and nausea.
• A post-anesthesia care unit nurse will provide discharge instructions to you and your family.
• You can go home once the medical team has determined it is safe.