Pre Op Instructions

General Information

If you have scheduled surgery with Hovis Orthopaedic Clinic you have likely already had instructions from your physician or his assistant. However, if you still need to schedule surgery please contact Alice at (865) 251-3032. If you have further questions or concerns not answered here, you may contact Dr. Hovis’ Physician Assistant or Surgical Assistant at (865) 524-0054. Your questions are important to us and we will return your call as soon as possible. Information concerning specific surgical procedures is available through our website (web address here). Please keep in mind that each patient and their surgery are unique and this information is intended only to provide a basic understanding of these procedures.

Lab Work

In most cases you will be required to have pre-operative labs performed that may include blood work, chest X-ray, ECG, and urinalysis. In certain cases, patients may be asked to see their primary care physician (PCP) or cardiologist for medical clearance prior to surgery. All females of reproductive age whether on oral contraceptive pills or other birth control will be required to complete a pregnancy test. These studies are not required of all patients but if you have not obtained any pre-operative lab work done please inquire several days in advance of your surgery.

Surgery Locations

The physicians of Hovis Orthopaedic Clinic operate at several different locations throughout Knoxville. We attempt to accommodate location requests to the best of our abilities; however, scheduling, insurance, and required equipment needs may limit you to one surgical location. You will be informed of which hospital or surgery center your surgery will take place and what time you need to report.

Your Responsibilities

1) You should have nothing to eat, drink or smoke after midnight prior to your surgery unless otherwise instructed.
2) If you are having elective surgery, you should take a shower the night before or the morning of the procedure being careful to thoroughly wash and cleanse the entire extremity undergoing surgery.
3) Total joint replacement patients will receive specific instructions and a scrub kit to cleanse the extremity.
4) You may continue to take most routine medications up to midnight the night before surgery with the exception of aspirin, blood thinning agents such as Warfarin / coumadin, or NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories). Most patients will be asked to stop taking these medications approximately five (5) days prior to surgery. If you have not received instructions regarding these medicines, please call (865) 524-0054 to speak to our nurse or Physician Assistant.
5) Blood pressure medications should be taken the night before surgery or with a small sip of water the morning of surgery.
6) Diabetic medications/injections should not be taken in the morning of surgery. Blood sugars will be controlled while in the hospital. Day surgery patients may restart their diabetic medications after discharge home.
7) Please remove all rings, jewelry, and finger and toenail polish the night before surgery.

Morning of Surgery

Please arrive at the time you were appointed the morning of surgery. This is generally two (2) hours prior to the scheduled surgery time. For example, if your surgery is scheduled to start at 7:30 AM, you will be asked to register at 5:30 AM. Although early in the morning, it is important to be on time to ensure that the entire pre-operative protocol can be safely followed. This may include further lab work if necessary, starting an I.V., and consultation with the anesthesia department.

Materials To Bring

If you have already been provided a walker, crutches, or special braces bring them with you to your surgery. Polar-Care (ice pack) machines may be beneficial after surgery and we encourage you to also bring those with you.

Follow-up Appointments

Most follow up appointments are scheduled for two weeks after your surgery. If you cannot make your appointment please contact us to reschedule at (865) 524-0054. Physical Therapy appointments begin a few days after your surgery and this component of your rehabilitation is paramount.
Lastly, Hovis Orthopaedic Clinic wishes to make your surgery as pleasant as possible. We believe that an informed patient is better able to participate in his or her own rehabilitation and therefore we encourage questions.