Preparing for surgery
The weeks before, the day of, and the first days at home.
What should I arrange before my surgery date?
Yes, you will need to arrange a ride home and someone to stay with you the first night.
Dr. Armando Vidal performs ACL reconstruction (surgery to rebuild the anterior cruciate ligament, a ligament that helps stabilize the knee), osteotomies (procedures that reshape a bone to shift weight away from a damaged part of the joint), articular cartilage restoration (repair of the smooth tissue that cushions the ends of bones in a joint), and complex revision surgery (a second operation when a prior procedure did not fully resolve the problem) for multi-ligament knee injuries (tears affecting more than one of the knee's stabilizing ligaments). Most of these procedures are done on an outpatient or short-stay basis, so you will likely go home the same day or the next morning. Before your date, plan for transportation both ways, request time off work, and set up your home: a chair where you can elevate your leg, ice or a cold-therapy unit on hand, and clear walking paths for crutches or a brace if one is prescribed. Your surgical team will confirm exactly what equipment you'll need based on the specific procedure.
What should I bring, and what should I stop taking before surgery?
Bring a photo ID, your insurance card, a list of current medications, and comfortable loose-fitting clothing that fits over a brace or dressing.
Your surgical team will confirm which medications to pause, such as blood thinners or certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and when to stop eating or drinking before your arrival time. Do not stop or adjust any medication on your own: follow the written instructions your surgical team gives you at your pre-operative visit.
What happens on the day of surgery?
You will check in, change into a gown, and meet briefly with your surgical team and anesthesiologist before heading back.
An IV is placed, anesthesia is given, and the procedure, whether that is ACL reconstruction, an osteotomy, articular cartilage restoration, or a complex revision, proceeds as planned by your surgeon. Dr. Vidal completed fellowship training in sports medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, training that underlies his work on complex revision and multi-ligament knee surgery. Afterward, you wake in a recovery area where staff monitor you until you're ready to go home with your ride.
What is normal to feel in the days after surgery?
Some swelling, bruising, and soreness around the knee are expected and usually improve within one to two weeks, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2026).
Many patients also feel stiffness when first moving the joint and some fatigue from anesthesia. Icing, elevation, and the pain management plan your surgical team provides typically keep these symptoms manageable; your recovery pace depends on which procedure you had and your overall health.
What symptoms mean I should call the office right away?
Call immediately for a fever over 101°F, a threshold the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2026) identifies as a possible sign of infection, as well as redness or drainage spreading from the incision, calf pain or swelling, chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain that is not controlled by your prescribed medication.
These symptoms need prompt evaluation rather than waiting for your next scheduled visit.
Who do I call with questions before or after surgery?
Call the office directly: the same team coordinating your care with Dr. Armando Vidal is available to answer questions about scheduling, preparation, or symptoms after surgery.
Contact information and office hours are listed on the practice's contact page.
Ready to talk about your hip, knee and shoulder?
Call the office or request an appointment. Accepting new patients.