Deciding to have orthopedic surgery is a major step in reclaiming your mobility and your quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis in your knee, a shoulder injury from sports, or a fracture that just won’t heal, the right treatment can restore function and relieve pain.
Orthopedic surgeons treat the entire musculoskeletal system: bones, joints, soft tissues like muscles and ligaments, and even the spine. This means they can help with everything from knee arthroplasty (knee replacement) to minimally invasive hip surgery, carpal tunnel syndrome, and hand surgery.
At Mellano Orthopedics, Dr. Chris Mellano brings years of specialized training, experience with professional athletes, and a focus on minimally invasive techniques to help patients heal faster. Supported by a skilled orthopedic surgery department and sports medicine specialists, he works closely with each patient to design a plan that meets their unique needs.
In this guide, we’ll walk through what orthopedic surgery is, when it’s needed, how to prepare, what happens in the operating room, and what recovery looks like, so you can feel confident at every step.
Orthopedic surgery is a specialty within medicine that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and repairing problems with the musculoskeletal system. This system includes your bones, joints, spine, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and other soft tissues.
Common orthopedic surgical procedures include:
These procedures can be life-changing, restoring function, reducing pain, and helping patients get back to their everyday activities.
Orthopedic surgeons don’t jump straight to surgery. Many musculoskeletal problems can be managed first with physical therapy, injections, bracing, or medication. But surgery may be recommended if:
The preparation phase sets the stage for a smooth surgery and recovery. Here’s a general idea of what your consultation and pre-op appointments will consist of:
Your orthopedic surgery department team will give you detailed instructions, including when to stop eating or drinking before surgery and how to prepare your skin to reduce the risk of infections.
When you arrive at the hospital or surgical center, the focus is on making you comfortable and ready. Here’s what you can expect:
Procedure times vary for every procedure. Arthroscopic repairs may take under an hour, while joint replacements often last two to three hours. Complex spine surgery can take longer.
Once surgery is done, you’ll be moved to recovery, where nurses monitor your breathing, pain, and vital signs.
In the recovery area, your team will focus on pain control, infection prevention, and getting you stable enough to go home or move to a hospital room.
You’ll receive instructions on caring for your incision and recognizing signs of infection, managing pain with prescribed medication and ice, and using assistive devices like walkers, crutches, or slings. You will also be informed on how to schedule rehabilitation so healing and function start right away.
Some patients are up and walking within hours, especially after minimally invasive hip or knee surgeries. Early movement supports circulation, prevents stiffness, and helps you regain function faster.
Recovery is more than just waiting for stitches to heal. It’s an active process.
In the first few weeks, swelling and bruising are normal. You’ll want to keep the surgical area clean and protected while you follow your rehabilitation program exactly as prescribed.
Rehabilitation often involves physical therapy multiple times a week, along with home exercises. Whether it’s regaining range of motion after shoulder surgery or rebuilding strength after spine surgery, consistent effort is key.
Your timeline will depend on your surgery and health:
Good nutrition, staying hydrated, and listening to your body’s signals help with healing.
Many patients see life-changing improvements: less pain, more movement, and greater independence. With modern orthopedic techniques, including minimally invasive approaches, the recovery process is often faster and less disruptive than in the past.
By following your surgeon’s advice and sticking with rehabilitation, you put yourself in a unique position to get back to living the life you want, whether that means running, working, or simply walking without discomfort.
Orthopedic surgery can restore health, function, and confidence. From diagnosis to rehabilitation, having the right surgeon, the right team, and the right plan makes all the difference.
Mellano Orthopedics brings advanced surgical expertise, years of training, and a commitment to patient-centered care to every procedure and patient. Whether it’s knee arthroplasty, minimally invasive spine surgery, fracture repair, or sports medicine treatment, our focus is on delivering the best outcomes for both adults and children dealing with musculoskeletal problems.
If pain or injury is keeping you from the life you want, it’s time to discuss your options. Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Mellano and take that first step toward a pain-free future.
Dr. Mellano’s mission is to give his patients the freedom to keep doing the activities they love. If you are struggling with joint pain, arthritis, lack of mobility, or joint inflammation, contact Dr. Mellano for a consultation so he can help you get moving again.
