Preparing for Upper-Limb Surgery — A Checklist for Patients and Families
Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Whether you’re having a procedure on your shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand, understanding what to expect can make the experience far less stressful. Upper-limb surgery is often a key step toward restoring movement, relieving pain, and regaining your independence after an injury or long-standing condition.
This guide is designed to help you and your family get ready for the big day; from what to bring, how to prepare your home, and what loved ones can do to support you.
With expert advice from Dr. Oscar Brumby-Rendell, an orthopaedic surgeon from Adelaide in upper-limb surgery, you’ll have a clear, practical checklist to make sure everything goes smoothly before, during, and after your operation.
What is Upper-Limb Surgery?
Upper-limb surgery refers to operations on the arm from the shoulder down to the hand – including the shoulder, elbow, wrist and fingers. It covers treatments for injuries or conditions such as torn rotator cuffs, broken arms or wrists, arthritis, nerve entrapments (like carpal tunnel), tendon injuries and more. As one specialist notes, Dr. Oscar Brumby-Rendell “manages sports, arthritis and trauma injuries, specialising in upper limb surgery of the shoulder, elbow, hand and wrist”.
In practice, that means everything from arthroscopic shoulder repairs and joint replacements to wrist fracture fixations and hand tendon surgeries. If it involves bones, joints or soft tissues in the arm, it falls under upper-limb surgery.
Patient Checklist
- Pre-operative appointments: You’ll meet with Dr. Brumby-Rendell’s team before surgery for tests and to review your medical history and medications. Bring a full list of any drugs or supplements you take.
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Fasting: Avoid eating or drinking for several hours before surgery as instructed, usually no food after midnight. This helps keep you safe during anesthesia.
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Medications & health: Stop certain medicines like blood thinners as directed, and try to stay healthy by not smoking and eating well in the weeks before surgery.
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Home setup: Organize your home for easy recovery by keeping essentials within reach and arranging help for cooking, cleaning, or errands.
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Packing your hospital bag: Bring your ID, insurance details, medication list, and loose, comfortable clothes. Don’t forget essentials like toiletries, phone chargers, and slip-on shoes.
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Transportation: Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from the hospital, as you won’t be able to drive afterward.
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Other practical prep: Resolve any infections or skin issues before surgery and check your insurance coverage in advance. Write down any questions you’d like to ask your surgeon.
Family Checklist
- Designate a support person: Choose at least one family member or close friend to assist you. This person can come to the hospital with you, help carry your belongings, and be present when the surgeon explains the procedure. Montefiore Einstein specifically recommends having a “care coach” stay with you after surgery and drive you home. Your support person should know where you’re having surgery and have your surgeon’s contact info, just in case of last-minute changes.
- Home care arrangements: Encourage family to plan ahead for your needs at home. As noted above, someone will need to handle meals and household chores while you recover. If you have young children, pets or work commitments, arrange childcare/pet care for the surgery day and at least a few days afterward. Keep open communication: let relatives know the surgery schedule and any visitation restrictions. If an overnight hospital stay is required, decide who will stay with you and who will handle household duties back home.
- Be informed and involved: Families should feel free to ask questions on your behalf. It can help if one member takes notes during pre-op instructions or discussions with Dr. Oscar. Understanding the surgeon’s advice (about mobility limits, pain management, therapy, etc.) ensures everyone is on the same page. After surgery, your loved ones may receive updates from the surgical team – they can then help explain things to you while you recover from anesthesia.
How Dr. Oscar Brumby-Rendell Can Help
Because Dr. Brumby-Rendell focuses exclusively on arm and shoulder issues, you have a specialist who understands the unique anatomy and function of the upper limb. This specialization means he can customize your treatment for the best outcome. He and his staff can also reassure you and your family emotionally – many patients find that simply knowing their surgeon is an expert in this field brings comfort before the big day.
Ready to get started? Contact Dr. Oscar Brumby-Rendell’s office to schedule your consultation. His team can help you review your X-rays, answer any remaining questions, and set your surgery date. Dr. Oscar-Brumby Rendell and his clinic will ensure you feel prepared and supported throughout the process.
Take the next step by calling (08) 7077 0101 or visiting the Adelaide Shoulder & Upper Limb Clinic website for more information. Your health and peace of mind are our top priorities; let Dr. Oscar guide you safely through your upper-limb surgery journey.
