Getting Ready for Surgery

If your physician determines that your spine injury or condition requires surgery, you will be referred to the St.Vincent Orthopedic Center Surgery Evaluation Center (SEC). located on the first floor of the St.Vincent Orthopedic Center.  The Surgery Evaluation Center is where all your pre-operative testing – chest x-rays, blood tests, physical exams -- will be done.

Results from the pre-op testing are entered directly into your chart, which is readily available for your physician to refer to as necessary. Your surgeon will receive notification of any concerns that may arise from the pre-op testing so that he or she can determine whether your surgery can take place as scheduled.

On the day of your surgery, you’ll come back to the St.Vincent Orthopedic Center, where the registration process will be quick and easy thanks to pre-registration that is done by phone several days before your surgery date.

Your procedure will be performed in one of our state-of-the-art surgical suites, built to allow surgeons to teleconference with other specialists when necessary. The pre-operative and recovery areas where you will be treated are used for orthopedic patients only.

If your operation requires an overnight stay, you will be cared for on an inpatient unit dedicated to patients with spinal injuries and spine disorders. The staff on this unit has specialized training and expertise in helping patients with orthopedic injuries recover and return to normal activities as quickly as possible.

If a spine injury or disorder is leaving you in pain and unable to do the things you love, let us help. Call 1-800-338-CARE today and we’ll refer you to a physician.