Preguntas frecuentes

We treat a wide range of injuries, including fractures of the upper extremity, lower extremity, pelvis and acetabulum. Additionally, we manage periprosthetic fractures as well as injuries of the quadriceps, patellar and Achilles tendons.

You can request a visit through our website or by calling us at 718-920-2060. Please indicate if you have been treated in an emergency room, have been diagnosed with a fracture or believe you need surgery.

Not all fractures require treatment by a trauma surgeon. Some fractures—such as those of the hand, foot and spine—are best managed by upper extremity, foot and ankle, and spine specialists, respectively. Specialists within the department work collaboratively. If it is determined that a different specialist is better suited to manage your injury, we will facilitate an appointment and coordinate your care.

Yes. If your fracture has failed to heal (nonunion), has healed in an angulated alignment (malunion) or has resulted in painful hardware, limb-length inequality or a bone infection, we can assess you and provide treatment options.

We routinely accept transfers from other facilities and are prepared to take care of you at Montefiore Einstein. We try to make the transfer process as easy as possible. Please contact the Orthopedic Transfer Hotline at 718-920-2800 to begin the transfer process.

Generally, your first appointment with the surgeon will involve an evaluation that takes into account your medical history, current symptoms and an examination of the injured area. If X-rays are required, they can be taken the same day. In some cases, additional tests will be recommended, and once authorized, can be scheduled for a later date.

Cualquier información médica relevante, como informes de diagnóstico e imágenes, nos ayudará a evaluar mejor su estado. Si dispone de estos archivos en formato digital, llévelos a la primera cita médica.

Además, traiga consigo los siguientes documentos:

• Tarjeta del seguro
• Documento de identidad con fotografía
• Historiales médicos externos
• Láminas de laboratorio externas con informes de anatomía patológica
• Información de contacto del médico remitente
• Información de contacto del médico de cabecera
• Información de contacto de la farmacia

Le pedimos que llegue al menos 15 minutos antes de la hora programada para realizar el proceso de registro y verificación del seguro. Entendemos que es importante para nuestros pacientes cumplir con el cronograma y respetar los horarios acordados, y su llegada anticipada nos ayuda a garantizar que atendamos a todos nuestros pacientes con la mayor puntualidad.

Insurance policies differ from patient to patient, and coverage will depend on both the procedure and your individual policy. The surgeon's office will always obtain authorization in advance of any surgical procedure; however, we advise you to speak with your insurance representative to discuss patient responsibility, co-pays and other important coverage details.

Si van a producirse cambios en la cobertura de su seguro antes o cerca de la fecha de su intervención quirúrgica, notifíquenoslo de inmediato. Es posible que deba obtener autorización de su nueva compañía de seguros, lo que puede llevar tiempo. No informarnos de estos cambios puede dar lugar a la cancelación o aplazamiento de su cirugía.

Sí. Por lo general, hay varias personas que pueden ayudarle con los formularios y la documentación. A menudo, es mejor llevar estos materiales a la consulta de su cirujano antes de la cirugía. Consulte a su cirujano para obtener instrucciones específicas.

Surgery is an invasive procedure that carries inherent risk. Prior to obtaining your written consent, your surgeon will discuss the surgery's risks, benefits and alternatives. Any risks related to anesthesia will be addressed by a member of the anesthesia team. Please speak with your surgeon or a member of their team if additional clarification is necessary.

Preparing for surgery is, to some extent, personalized and will depend on the procedure being performed, as well as your medical condition. Some patients will need to obtain medical clearance from their primary care provider prior to surgery. On occasion, additional clearance from relevant specialists will be required to ensure patient safety. Preoperative testing—like blood work, electrocardiograms (EKGs), urine tests and chest X-rays—may also be necessary. Your surgeon or a member of their team will explain everything that’s necessary in advance of surgery.

No coma ni beba después de la medianoche del día anterior a la cirugía. El consumo de alimentos o líquidos antes de la anestesia puede ser peligroso y, por razones de seguridad, puede significar aplazar o cancelar su procedimiento. Si le han indicado que tome ciertos medicamentos en casa la mañana de la cirugía, puede hacerlo con un sorbo de agua. Los pacientes pediátricos pueden tomar líquidos claros, como agua, hasta tres horas antes de la cirugía. No se puede consumir leche ni otros líquidos no claros después de la medianoche del día anterior a la cirugía. Si necesita más información, hable con su cirujano o con un miembro de su equipo.

Depende. Hay medicamentos que deben seguir tomándose la mañana de la intervención y otros que deben suspenderse. Antes de la cirugía, nuestros enfermeros le indicarán qué medicamentos debe o no debe tomar antes de su procedimiento. Si necesita más información, hable con su cirujano o con un miembro de su equipo.

If you have digital files of your preoperative imaging, please bring them with you on the day of surgery. In addition, it is helpful to bring a list of medications you are currently taking. We also recommend you bring something to read or occupy yourself with while you wait. For your own safety, we require that a friend or family member accompany you home following the surgery.

Yes. Please leave any jewelry, watches or other valuables at home for safekeeping. Although cell phones and clothing are stored in locked storage during surgery, we strongly recommend against bringing valuables and other non-essentials with you.

Montefiore Einstein has three main surgical sites. The Wakefield Campus serves as our main trauma facility and is located at 600 East 233rd St., Bronx, NY 10466. In some instances, your care will be provided at one of our other surgical sites. Prior to surgery, your surgeon's office will provide you with specific instructions on where to go and when to arrive.

Generally, patients are required to check in one-and-a-half to two hours prior to surgery. The night before surgery, our staff will call to inform you what time to arrive. If surgery is scheduled for a Monday, you will be contacted the Friday before surgery. If surgery is scheduled following a national holiday, you will be contacted on the last day the hospital is open before your surgery. If you do not receive a call by 4:00 p.m. on that day, you should contact your surgeon’s office or the Ambulatory Care Registration at 929-263-3477, as directed.

The length of stay varies from patient to patient, depending on the individual and the nature of their injury. To some extent, this depends on when they are medically optimized for surgery and if they require additional post-operative monitoring. On average, patients are in the hospital for three to four days following hip fracture surgery.

A hip fracture is a substantial injury, and recovery can sometimes be challenging. The majority of patients regain their ability to walk, but will often require an assistive device, such as a cane or walker. Functional outcomes vary from patient to patient, depending on the individual and the nature of their injury. Please speak with your surgeon or a member of their team for additional information.

Los analgésicos suelen ser útiles después de la cirugía, pero no siempre son necesarios. Si se requiere medicación, su cirujano le proporcionará una receta. Como la mayoría de las recetas se envían electrónicamente directamente a la farmacia, se le pedirá que proporcione la información de contacto de su farmacia con anticipación.

Blood thinners, available in both injection and pill form, are frequently prescribed to help prevent blood clots. Vitamin D, calcium and other bond-building medications are also often recommended to prevent future fractures. We try to limit the use of narcotics, but, if necessary, they may be prescribed short-term following surgery. In such cases, we also recommend taking stool softeners to alleviate constipation, a frequent side effect of narcotics. We always recommend tapering and discontinuing the use of narcotics as soon as possible.

Post-operative care varies from patient to patient, and specific instructions depend on the procedure performed as well as other variables. Generally, showers are permitted in the early post-operative period, but your surgeon will likely instruct you to keep the wound clean and dry. Please speak with your surgeon or a member of their team if additional clarification is necessary.

Patients are often discharged to a rehabilitation center following hip fracture surgery. Discharge planning takes into account individual needs, physical therapy goals and other patient-specific conditions. There are a number of individuals involved in helping to determine if you will benefit from admission to a rehabilitation center, including physical therapists, social workers and nurses. They will speak with you during your admission and provide you with additional information, as it becomes available.

La atención posoperatoria y las citas de seguimiento varían de un paciente a otro y dependen del procedimiento realizado, así como de otras variables. Su cita posoperatoria se programará antes de la cirugía o al momento del alta. Si necesita más información, hable con su cirujano o con un miembro de su equipo.

Las citas de seguimiento dependen de la naturaleza de su afección y del tratamiento que reciba. Consulte a su cirujano para obtener información más específica.

Doctors are not able to clear patients for driving. This is a decision that must be made by patients when they feel safe and capable. Driving while using narcotic medications, such as prescription pain medication, is dangerous and should not be attempted under any circumstance. Additionally, we recommend that patients refrain from driving if they are experiencing any substantial discomfort that could contribute to or result in an accident. While there is no specific law against driving with a dressing or a cast, we strongly discourage it. Your safety and the safety of others are of paramount importance.

Return to work varies from patient to patient and depends on a host of patient-specific factors, including the type of work you do and the type of surgery you are having.