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About this service

Orthopedic surgery treats some conditions and injuries that affect the bones, joints, muscles and tendons. 

After orthopedic surgery or a serious injury, you may need to stay in hospital while you recover. The inpatient orthopedic team provides specialized nursing and other care to support your recovery, movement and safe return home. 

How this service can help you

Orthopedic surgery and inpatient care can help you: 

  • receive surgical treatment for an orthopedic condition or injury  
  • recover safely after surgery or a serious injury  
  • manage pain and other symptoms  
  • move safely during your recovery  
  • regain strength and independence  
  • prepare for rehabilitation  
  • plan for a safe return home  

Your care will depend on your surgery or injury and your individual needs. 

Who can access this service

You may receive orthopedic surgical or inpatient care if you: 

  • need planned orthopedic surgery  
  • need emergency orthopedic surgery  
  • have a serious injury that requires hospital care  
  • need to stay in hospital while recovering from orthopedic surgery  

Your orthopedic team will determine the type of care you need. 

How you can access this service

For planned surgery, your admission is arranged through your orthopedic surgeon and surgical care team. 

If you have a serious injury that needs urgent orthopedic treatment, you may receive care through an emergency department or be transferred from another health-care facility. 

If you have questions about a planned surgery or admission, contact your orthopedic clinic or surgical care team. 

What to expect

After surgery or a serious injury, your care may include: 

  • specialized nursing care  
  • monitoring during your recovery  
  • pain management  
  • medication management  
  • help moving safely  
  • physiotherapy  
  • occupational therapy  
  • development of a care plan based on your needs  
  • help regaining independence  
  • education about your recovery  
  • planning for rehabilitation or other supports  
  • planning for a safe and timely return home  

Your care team will work with you throughout your recovery. 

How to prepare for surgery

Follow the instructions provided by your surgical team. 

Your team may provide information about: 

  • preparing your health for surgery  
  • medications  
  • exercises or activities before surgery  
  • what to bring to hospital  
  • what to expect on the day of surgery  
  • moving safely after surgery  
  • preparing your home for your return  
  • rehabilitation and recovery
     

Your team

Your care team may include: 

  • orthopedic surgeons  
  • nurses  
  • physiotherapists  
  • occupational therapists  
  • social workers  
  • dietitians  
  • pharmacists  
  • care facilitators  
  • administrative staff 

Care facilitators

Care facilitators help coordinate care and education throughout the surgical process. 

They may help: 

  • coordinate your care  
  • provide education about surgery and recovery  
  • support care based on current best practices  
  • plan for a safe and timely return home 

Locations and contact info

Carbonear

Carbonear General Hospital

Corner Brook 

Western Memorial Regional Hospital  

Gander 

James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre 

Orthopedic Intake and Assessment Clinic (OIAC)
Preadmission Clinic (PAC)
Total Joint Assessment Clinic (TJAC) 

  • Post-operative inquiries — Orthopedic Inpatient Nursing Unit
    Phone: 709-256-5621

St. Anthony

Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital

St. John’s

Ambulatory Health Hub   

 

Rehabilitation and recovery

Rehabilitation is a big part of recovery. It helps people get stronger and move better after an injury or surgery. 

Physiotherapy can help you:  

  • build strength  
  • improve movement  
  • return to daily activities 
  • learn exercises to continue at home  
  • learn ways to support your recovery and prevent injuries

Some treatment may also be provided at home, depending on the services available and your needs. 

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Last updated on: October 30, 2026

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