OFFICE-BASED PROCEDURES

The doctors at Bone and Joint Specialists perform many procedures under local anesthesia in the procedural suite at our office.  There are many advantages to having procedures performed in this setting:

• You are able to eat before your procedure.
• In many cases, you may drive yourself to and from the office.
• Preoperative testing is not required prior to your procedure.
• Typically, you will be in the office for only 30-45 minutes.
• There is no need to start an IV or administer sedation or any other intravenous medications.
• After your procedure, there is no nausea or grogginess that can sometimes happen with sedation or general anesthesia.
• The cost of your procedure is considerably less compared to surgery at the hospital or outpatient surgery center.

BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE

You may eat and drink before your procedure as you usually do.  You do not need to adjust your diet or miss any meals. You may take all medications as regularly scheduled. There is no preoperative testing or clearance needed prior to your procedure.

DURING YOUR PROCEDURE

To begin, your doctor will place local anesthetic around the procedure site.  This causes only minor discomfort.  We use a special preparation of the local anesthetic that minimizes any discomfort from the injection. The anesthetized area may become pale as the medicine takes effect.  Once the area is numb, you will be brought back to the procedure suite.  We will not start an IV.

You will be fully awake and aware during the procedure.  You will be positioned comfortably in a chair, or you may fully lie down if you prefer.

You do not have to watch the procedure if you do not want to.  You can bring headphones if you like or you can tell us what type of music you prefer.  You may even watch a video on your phone or look out the window.

You may feel some movement and pressure during your procedure, but you will not feel pain.  If needed, more anesthetic can be placed.

AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE

After your procedure, a light dressing will be placed. 

• Keep this dressing on, clean, and dry for four days. 
• After four days, you may remove the dressing
• Then you may wash the incision gently in the shower and place a smaller dressing or band-aid on the wound.

After small procedures, you may be able to drive yourself home.  Occasionally it is better to have someone drive you.

The local anesthetic usually wears off in 6-8 hours.  We recommend you take pain medication before the anesthetic fully wears off.

PAIN CONTROL

Most patients require only over-the-counter pain medications after their procedure, such as Tylenol or Motrin, or these two medications taken in combination.  It is safe and helpful to take Tylenol and Motrin together, unless you are allergic or intolerant to one or both of them.  Some patients may require a small prescription for a mild narcotic medication.

Do not hesitate to reach out to the office after your procedure if you have any questions or concerns.

PROCEDURES PERFORMED UNDER LOCAL ANESTHESIA

Carpal tunnel release

Trigger finger and thumb release

DeQuervain's tendonitis release

Mucous cyst removal

Finger and hand mass removal

Nail bed procedures

Ganglion cyst removal

Mass removal

Tendon and nerve repair