Ms. (Dr.) Samantha Tross
Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon
First Black Female Orthopaedic Consultant in the UK
Understanding what happens at each stage of your surgical journey can make the experience far less daunting. This article walks through the entire pathway — from your first consultation to your full recovery.
Before surgery, you'll attend a thorough pre-operative assessment. This may include blood tests, imaging, heart checks, and a conversation about your medical history. The aim is to ensure you're in the best possible health for surgery. Many patients are also introduced to prehabilitation — strengthening exercises and lifestyle adjustments designed to improve recovery outcomes.
On the day of surgery, you'll meet the surgical team, who will guide you through what to expect. Anaesthesia options are discussed, and once you're prepared, the operation begins. Thanks to improved surgical techniques and 2025 Enhanced Recovery protocols, procedures are now more precise, safer and more efficient than ever.
After surgery, you'll move to recovery, where monitoring and early pain management begin. Physiotherapy typically starts the same day or the day after. Early movement is proven to accelerate healing, improve confidence and reduce complication risks. You'll learn how to walk safely, care for your wound and manage pain at home.
Over the following weeks, rehabilitation gradually transitions from basic mobility to structured strengthening. Regular check-ups help ensure your progress is on track. By three months, most patients return to everyday life with significantly better comfort and mobility.
Knowing the roadmap removes fear and sets realistic expectations. Every stage is designed to support your recovery and ensure the best possible outcome.