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Make Appointments 24/7, 365 days a year.
302-731-2888
Orthopaedic surgery has come a long way in recent decades. Once associated with long hospital stays, extended recovery times, and higher risks of complications, many orthopaedic procedures are now performed on an outpatient basis. This shift allows patients to go home the same day—often within hours of surgery—without compromising safety or outcomes.
Outpatient orthopaedic surgery (also called same-day or ambulatory surgery) means you have your procedure in a specialized surgical center or hospital and return home on the same day. Advances in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and pain management have made this possible for a wide range of orthopaedic procedures, including:
Arthroscopic knee, shoulder, and ankle surgery
Carpal tunnel release and hand procedures
Foot and ankle reconstruction
Some joint replacements, such as hip or knee
Minor fracture repair
Safety is a top priority, and outpatient orthopaedic surgery is supported by decades of research. Improvements in technology and medical practices have dramatically reduced complication rates. Key factors that contribute to its safety include:
Minimally invasive techniques that use smaller incisions and cause less trauma to surrounding tissue.
Modern anesthesia options that wear off quickly, allowing patients to recover faster.
Enhanced pain management strategies that reduce or eliminate the need for opioids.
Careful patient screening to ensure that only those who are medically appropriate undergo outpatient procedures.
Same-day orthopaedic surgery is not just safe—it’s efficient. Patients spend less time in the hospital, which lowers the risk of infections and reduces overall costs. For many, the streamlined process also means:
Shorter waiting times for surgery
Faster recovery in a comfortable home environment
Less disruption to daily life and family routines
Lower out-of-pocket expenses compared to inpatient procedures
For most outpatient orthopaedic procedures, the process looks like this:
Pre-surgery check-in: Patients arrive at the surgical center and undergo final evaluations.
Procedure: Depending on the type of surgery, the time can range from 30 minutes to a few hours.
Recovery room: Patients are monitored until they are alert, comfortable, and safe to go home.
Discharge: Patients leave with detailed instructions, medication guidance, and a follow-up plan.
Recovering at home is often more comfortable and reduces stress. Patients typically receive:
Clear wound-care instructions
Physical therapy or at-home exercises to regain strength and mobility
Access to follow-up appointments and telemedicine check-ins
Contact information in case of complications
Not every patient or procedure is right for outpatient care. Ideal candidates typically:
Are in good overall health
Have support from family or friends at home
Require procedures that are low-risk and manageable outside a hospital setting
For patients with complex medical conditions or high surgical risks, inpatient care may still be the safer option.
Outpatient orthopaedic surgery represents the best of modern medicine: safe, efficient, and focused on helping patients return to their lives quickly. With advancements in technology, anesthesia, and recovery protocols, more people than ever can benefit from going home the same day—with confidence in their care and their recovery.
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