🦴Orthopedic Surgery
Anesthesia for joint, bone, and limb procedures.
Educational information only. This guide is general and may not reflect your specific situation. Always follow the instructions from your own surgical and anesthesia team.
1 · Anesthesia commonly used
Orthopedic surgery may use general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, or a regional nerve block — often in combination. Nerve blocks numb a specific limb and provide excellent pain relief afterward.
For knee and hip replacements, spinal anesthesia with a nerve block is very common and can speed recovery.
2 · How to prepare
Discuss which anesthesia suits your procedure and health.
Optimize any chronic conditions (diabetes, blood pressure) beforehand.
Arrange help at home — mobility may be limited initially.
Plan for physiotherapy as part of recovery.
3 · Fasting instructions
| Before surgery | Guidance |
|---|
| Solid food | Stop eating at least 6 hours before |
| Light meal / milk | At least 6 hours before |
| Clear fluids (water, clear juice) | Usually allowed up to 2 hours before |
| Alcohol | Avoid for 24 hours before |
| Smoking | Stop as early as possible before surgery |
4 · Medication guidance
Blood thinners are especially important to discuss — they affect the timing and safety of spinal anesthesia and nerve blocks.
Anti-inflammatory medications may be paused around surgery; follow your team's advice.
5 · On the day of surgery
IV placed for fluids and medication.
If having a nerve block, it's placed using ultrasound guidance before or after you're asleep.
You may receive sedation to keep you comfortable.
The numb limb may feel heavy and weak for several hours.
6 · Common risks & side effects
Temporary numbness or weakness in the blocked limb — expected and resolves.
Nausea, sore throat (if a breathing tube was used).
Blood clots — reduced by early movement and prophylaxis.
Nerve injury is rare; report persistent numbness or weakness.
7 · Recovery expectations
A nerve block can keep the limb pain-free for many hours after surgery, reducing the need for strong opioids.
Early mobilization and physiotherapy are key. Recovery time depends on the procedure — from days for minor surgery to weeks for joint replacement.
8 · Frequently asked questions
Will I be asleep?
It depends — many orthopedic surgeries use spinal anesthesia with sedation, so you're relaxed but not fully under.
What is a nerve block?
An injection near nerves that numbs a specific area, giving strong pain relief after surgery.
When can I walk?
Often the same or next day for many procedures — your team will guide you.
Will the block wear off?
Yes, gradually over hours. Start your pain medication before it fully wears off.
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