What to Do When You Start Treating a Surgical Procedure You Have Never Experienced Before

A common scenario you’ll encounter in outpatient orthopedics is working with post-op patients who have undergone procedures you’ve never treated, seen, or even heard of before. It can feel intimidating, but with the right approach, you can manage these situations effectively.

Step 1: Quick Pre-Visit Research

Imagine you’re scheduled to see a new post-op patient in five minutes. During your quick chart review, you discover they’ve had a surgical procedure you’ve never encountered. What do you do?

Take a moment to quickly look up the procedure. Find out:

• What the procedure involves

• Why it was done

• Common recovery expectations

Going into the session with at least a basic understanding shows professionalism and helps maintain the patient’s trust. If you genuinely don’t know much, it’s okay to be honest with the patient, saying something like:

“I haven’t treated this specific procedure before, but I will consult with senior colleagues and do more research before our next session to develop a solid plan for your recovery.”

This transparency builds trust and reassures the patient that you are committed to their care.

Step 2: Post-Visit Research

After the session, take time to thoroughly research the procedure. Look for:

• Why the procedure is performed

• How it is typically done

• What recovery generally looks like

A quick online search for “[Procedure Name] rehab protocol” can often yield helpful guidelines and protocols from reputable sources. Use this information to refine your treatment plan and provide better guidance in subsequent sessions.

Step 3: Focus on What You Know—Impairments

When you’re unsure about the specifics of a surgical procedure, fall back on what you do know: impairments. Base your treatment on the patient’s current limitations and symptoms. Focus on:

• Range of motion deficits

• Pain management

• Strength impairments

• Functional limitations

For example, I recently worked with a patient who had undergone a proximal tibiofibular joint replacement—a procedure I had never encountered before in nearly 10 years of practice. Rather than getting overwhelmed, I identified and treated the patient’s impairments: scar tissue hypomobility, restricted range of motion, and gait difficulties. By focusing on these fundamental issues, I was able to provide effective care despite the absence of a specific protocol.

Step 4: Embrace Continuous Learning

Expect that you’ll frequently encounter unfamiliar procedures, especially early in your career. Use these experiences as opportunities to expand your knowledge base. Taking the time to educate yourself on new techniques and surgeries will make you a more confident and effective clinician in the long run.

Even after years of practice, you will continue to see new procedures as surgical techniques and technologies evolve. Maintaining a growth mindset ensures you stay adaptable and prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-changing field.

Final Thoughts

When faced with treating an unfamiliar surgical procedure:

1. Stay calm and do quick research before the session.

2. Be transparent with the patient and commit to further research.

3. Conduct thorough post-visit research to guide future treatment.

4. Focus on treating impairments when specific protocols are unavailable.

5. Embrace lifelong learning to keep up with new procedures.

By following these steps, you’ll not only provide quality care but also grow as a clinician. With time and experience, you’ll feel more confident handling even the most unfamiliar post-op cases.