Preparing for orthopedic surgery can feel overwhelming, but understanding your procedure and knowing what to expect during recovery can help reduce anxiety and support a smoother, faster healing process. The resources below are designed to guide you through what happens after surgery, from immediate post-operative care to longer-term recovery.

Our goal is to help every patient achieve the best possible surgical outcome through clear information, realistic expectations, and supportive care.

We encourage you to review these materials and discuss any questions or concerns with your orthopedic surgeon. Your surgeon can provide personalized guidance to help you prepare for surgery and understand what your post-surgical recovery may look like.

Downloadable Patient Guides and Videos

For All Patients

Recommended Video: How to Prepare for Your Hip or Knee Surgery - A 60-minute class taught by nurses at Animas Surgical Hospital
Info Sheet: Total Joint Replacement Patient Checklist
Booklet: Durango Guide for Out-of-Town Patients
Info Sheet: Preventing Constipation After Surgery
Video: Arranging for Home Health
Video: Dietary Needs Before and After Surgery
Video: Introduction to Physical Therapy
Video: How to Change a Surgical Dressing

Using a Walker or Crutches

Video: Walker vs. Crutches
Video: How to Use a Walker
Video: How to Use Crutches
Video: Using Crutches on Stairs
Video: Using a Walker on a Step or Curb

Hip or Knee Surgery

Booklet: Total Hip Replacement (includes physical therapy exercises)
Booklet: Total Knee Replacement (includes physical therapy exercises)
Booklet: Knee Arthroscopy
Booklet: Caregiver's Guide to Hip or Knee Surgery
Video: How to Use Your Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) Machine - for knee replacement patients only
Video: Physical Therapy Exercises for Hip or Knee Replacement Patients
Video: Exercises/Activities to Avoid After Hip Surgery

Shoulder Surgery

Booklet: Inpatient Shoulder Surgery
Booklet: Outpatient Shoulder Surgery
Booklet: Caregiver's Guide to Shoulder Surgery
Video: What to Expect After Shoulder Surgery
Video: Introduction to Your Shoulder Sling

Foot and Ankle Surgery

Booklet: Foot and Ankle Surgery
Booklet: Caregiver's Guide to Foot and Ankle Surgery

Spine Surgery

Recommended Video: How to Prepare for Your Spine Surgery - A 30-minute class taught by nurses at Animas Surgical Hospital
Booklet: Cervical Spine Surgery
Booklet: Lumbar Spine Surgery
Booklet: Caregiver's Guide to Spine Surgery
Video: How to Log Roll In and Out of Bed
Video: How to Put On and Remove Your Cervical Brace
Video: How to Put on Pants & Underwear After Spine Surgery
Video: How to Put on Socks After Spine Surgery
Video: How to Put on Shoes After Spine Surgery
Video: How to Cover Your Incision Before Showering
Video: How to Toilet and Shower After Spine Surgery

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