Preparing for surgery
The weeks before, the day of, and the first days at home.
Before your surgery
Preparing for surgery looks a little different for everyone, but the steps that help you feel ready are mostly the same. Ross Wodicka, MD, sees patients in Fort Lauderdale for knee and hip care, with fellowship training in sports medicine from the Southern California Orthopedic Institute in Los Angeles. His surgical practice includes hip arthroscopy, a procedure that uses a small camera to treat the hip joint, along with hip preservation surgery, ACL reconstruction, and cartilage restoration, performed at Holy Cross Orthopedic Institute.
This guide walks through what to arrange beforehand, what to bring on the day of surgery, how the day itself typically unfolds, and what is normal during recovery, including the warning signs that call for a phone call to the office. Because Dr. Wodicka's practice centers on the knee and hip, much of what follows speaks directly to joint preservation and joint reconstruction procedures of these two areas. The same general steps apply no matter which procedure you are scheduled for. Your surgical team will confirm the details specific to your own health history and your surgery date.
- 01Request a visitCall the office or use the booking link to choose a time.
- 02Bring your recordsImaging, prior reports and a medication list help make the first visit useful.
- 03Examination and discussionAn exam and a plain explanation of what is going on.
- 04Decide togetherThe options are laid out so you can choose the plan that fits.
Do I need to arrange a ride home before surgery?
Yes. You will not be allowed to drive yourself after anesthesia, so plan for someone to take you home and stay with you for the first day.
Arrange time off work in advance, and if you're scheduled for a hip or knee procedure, have crutches or a walker set up at home before you leave for surgery rather than after. Clear loose rugs and cords from walkways, and set up a spot on the main floor if stairs will be difficult at first. If you have questions about what your specific recovery will require at home, ask Dr. Wodicka's team at your pre-operative visit.
What should I bring, and what should I stop taking, before surgery?
Bring a current list of your medications, a photo ID, and your insurance card; your surgical team will tell you exactly which medications to pause and when.
Some blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medications, and supplements need to be stopped days ahead of surgery, and the timing depends on the medication and your health history, not on a general rule. Do not stop or adjust anything on your own. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to get on and off over a bandage or brace, and leave jewelry and valuables at home.
What happens on the day of surgery?
You will check in, confirm your procedure and site with your care team, and meet with anesthesia before you're taken back.
Many of the procedures Dr. Wodicka performs for the shoulder, hip, and knee, including hip arthroscopy, knee arthroscopy, and shoulder arthroscopy, use arthroscopic surgery, a technique that places a small camera and instruments through a few small incisions rather than one large opening. Dr. Wodicka completed his sports medicine fellowship at Southern California Orthopedic Institute in Los Angeles, where this minimally invasive approach was a core part of his training, and it shapes how small your incisions are and how your dressing is managed afterward. After the procedure, you'll spend time in a recovery area while the anesthesia wears off, and your team will go over discharge instructions, including your ride home and your follow-up appointment, before you leave.
What is normal to feel after surgery?
Some swelling, bruising, stiffness, and fatigue are expected after any shoulder, hip, or knee procedure.
Pain is managed with medication, ice, and elevation, and it's normal for discomfort to be more noticeable for the first few days before it begins to ease. Mild drainage at the incision in the first day or two is common. Your surgical team will walk you through what's typical for your specific procedure, since recovery looks different for an arthroscopic repair than it does for a joint replacement.
What warning signs should I call about right away?
Call the office immediately for a fever over 101 degrees, spreading redness or warmth around the incision, pus or heavy drainage, or pain that isn't controlled by your prescribed medication.
Also call right away for sudden calf pain or swelling, chest pain, or shortness of breath, which can be signs of a blood clot and carry extra attention after hip and knee surgery. If you reach voicemail after hours, follow the recorded instructions for reaching the on-call provider; these symptoms should never wait until the next business day.
Who do I contact to schedule surgery or ask a question beforehand?
Dr. Wodicka's office in Fort Lauderdale coordinates scheduling, pre-operative paperwork, and any questions you have before your date is set.
His practice is affiliated with Holy Cross Orthopedic Institute, and the office is accepting new patients for consultations across his sports medicine, shoulder, hip, and knee practice. If you're not yet scheduled and want to discuss whether surgery is the right next step, that conversation starts with a visit, not with this page.
Ready to talk about your care?
Call the office or request an appointment. Accepting new patients.