Orthopedics

Comprehensive Orthopedic Surgery | Surgery & Elbow Specialist 

Compass Memorial Healthcare provides comprehensive orthopedic care, including diagnosis, treatment, and surgical services. Dr. Doehrmann, our surgeon, specializes in shoulder and elbow care for patients of all ages. He also focuses on anterior hip and knee replacement, sports medicine, and the full spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions affecting bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons.

Our orthopedic services include:

  • Comprehensive shoulder surgery and replacement
  • Anterior hip and knee replacement
  • Sports medicine with arthroscopic surgery: shoulder, elbow, and knee
    • Tendon repair: tricep, bicep, patellar, achilles
  • General orthopedics including:
    • Carpal and Cubital tunnel release
    • Trigger finger release
  • Comprehensive fracture care: hip, femur, tibia, wrist, shoulder, ankle, etc.

Orthopedics is the medical specialty dedicated to the health of bones, joints and connective tissues. If you or a loved one is experiencing pain, mobility issues, or a sports-related injury, orthopedic care may help restore function and improve quality of life.

Orthopedics

Post-Operative Recovery Resources 

Orthopedic surgery recovery can take a toll on the body, and it’s important to have a proper recovery plan in place after your procedure. Compass Memorial Healthcare is a collaborative organization dedicated to ensuring the resources you need are readily available. Our Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Services department is here to support you throughout your recovery journey, helping you move better, feel stronger, and regain confidence in your daily life.

Our Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) teams provide personalized care and targeted therapy tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you are on a clear path to feeling more like yourself again.

Learn More 

Contact Information

To schedule an appointment or learn more about our services, call us today!

Compass Memorial Healthcare
300 West May Street
Marengo, IA 52301
Phone: 319-741-6789

Patient Surgery Education and Preparation

Surgery, whether minor or major, can feel overwhelming. But with the right preparation, you can reduce anxiety, support a smooth recovery, and feel more confident every step of the way. Understanding what to expect before, during, and after your procedure is key to a safe and positive surgical experience.

  1. Understand the Procedure

    Start by making sure you clearly understand the surgery you’ll be having. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety, help you ask informed questions, and make you feel more prepared.

    • Ask Questions: Talk with your surgeon about how the procedure works, its benefits, risks, anesthesia options, and anything you’re unsure about.
    • Know the Recovery: Ask about recovery time, activity restrictions, and when you can safely return to your normal routine.

  2. Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions Carefully

    Your doctor will give you specific steps to follow before surgery. These instructions help ensure a safe procedure and smooth recovery, so it’s important to follow them closely.

    Common guidelines may include:

    • Fasting: You may need to avoid food and drinks for several hours before surgery to reduce anesthesia risks.
    • Medication Changes: Some medications, especially blood thinners, may need to be paused. Follow your doctor’s guidance.
    • Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Both can slow healing and increase complications, so you may be asked to stop temporarily.
    • Transportation: You may need to plan for someone to take you to and from your appointment.

  3. Organize Your Support System

    A strong support system can make recovery much easier. Having support in place allows you to focus on healing without added stress.

    • Arrange a Companion: You will need someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the first few hours or longer, depending on the procedure.
    • Prepare Your Home: Set up a comfortable space with essentials like medications, snacks, water, and personal items within reach.
    • Plan for Extra Help: If your recovery takes time, ask family or friends to help with meals, chores, or errands.

  4. Plan for Recovery

    Your body needs time and care to heal after surgery. While recovery varies by procedure, these basics can help:

    • Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Stick to guidelines for medications, wound care, activity limits, and any recommended therapy.
    • Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Nutritious meals and plenty of water support healing and help you regain strength.
    • Rest: Give your body time to recover. Avoid overexertion and listen to your energy levels.
    • Prevent Infection: Keep the incision area clean and follow all wound-care instructions. Contact your doctor if you notice redness, swelling, or unusual discharge.
    • Go to Follow-up Visits: These appointments ensure your healing is on track and allow your doctor to address any concerns.

  5. Mental Preparation for Surgery

    Feeling nervous before surgery is completely normal. Preparing your mind can help reduce anxiety and support a smoother experience.

    • Use Relaxation Techniques: Try deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness to calm your nerves.
    • Stay Positive: Focus on the benefits of the procedure and trust your care team.
    • Picture a Smooth Recovery: Imagine yourself healing well and returning to your normal activities.

Orthopedic Surgery Instructions

We will make the following arrangements for your surgery...

  • We will call your insurance carrier and get approval for your surgery.
  • You may receive a call alerting you of a payment due the morning of surgery.

Before surgery...

  • You must have a history and physical by your family physician within 30 days prior to the day of surgery. You need to call and make an appointment with your doctor.
  • STOP Aspirin/Anti-inflammatory medication 7 days prior to surgical procedure i.e.: Advil, Aleve, Aspirin/Baby Aspirin, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Mobic/Meloxicam, Motrin, Naproxen, Celebrex, Fish oil. 
  • Tylenol is okay to take up to the night before surgery.

  • STOP GLP-1 Medications prior to surgical procedure

    • Once a week injection: Stop 7 days prior to surgery.
    • Daily oral medication: Stop 24 hours prior to surgery.
  • Your Primary Care Doctor will go over your prescription medications and let you know if you should stop taking them and when you should.
  • If you see a Cardiologist, you may need clearance prior to surgery. They may have you hold specific medications like antiplatelets and anticoagulants.
  • If you are taking medications, you should call CMH Surgical Services to find out if it is okay to continue taking that medication. If you are taking herbal supplements make certain you have informed your surgeon as some herbal supplements must be stopped before surgery.
  • Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery. This includes sips of water, coffee, or anything else.
  • Make sure you have someone (18 years or older) to drive you home the day of surgery. (You can NOT take an Uber, Lyft or Taxi home.)
  • Your responsible adult must stay in the hospital during your surgery.
  • If you are 18 or under and are not married, you must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Do not wear jewelry or take other valuable items with you.

Day of surgery...

  • You will spend some time in the recovery room before returning to your post op bay or before being transferred to the inpatient med/surg floor of the hospital.
  • When you feel well enough to be up, you will receive specific instructions regarding discharge.

After surgery...

  • Stay home and rest the remainder of the day.
  • Do not drive an automobile or operate dangerous machinery.
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

Please call if you have any questions:

  • Ortho Clinic Nursing — Phone: 319-741-6789
  • Central Scheduling — Phone: 319-642-8099
  • Surgical Services — Phone: 319-642-8164

ALERT!

If you are taking herbal supplements please notify the physician or staff prior to having surgery! The following supplements can pose risk in surgery; Echinacea, Ephedra, Fish Oil, Garlic, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Kava, St. John’s Wort, and Valerian.

  • Echinacea

    Because of the lack of information about it’s pharmacokinetics, patients should discontinue it’s use as far in advance of surgery as possible.

  • Ephedra

    Causes increase blood pressure and heart rate. Patient should stay off ephedra at least 1-2 weeks prior to surgery. Complications have been fatal.

  • Fish Oil

    Thins the blood and can cause increased bleeding and bruising. For diabetic patients, fish oil has been shown to increase blood sugar levels. Discontinue taking 7 days prior to surgery.

  • Garlic

    Has the potential for irreversible inhibition of platelet function. Should be discontinued 7 days prior to surgery.

  • Ginkgo

    Should be discontinued 36 hours prior to surgery as it can inhibit platelet-activating factors.

  • Ginseng

    Shown to inhibit platelet aggregation and should be discontinued at least 7 days before surgery.

  • Kava

    Should be discontinued at least 24hrs prior to surgery because it can interfere with the sedative effects of anesthetics.

  • St. John’s Wort

    Should be discontinued at least 5 days prior to surgery. It can significantly increase the metabolism of many drugs administered during surgery.

  • Valerian

    May interfere with the sedative effects of anesthetics. Patients will need to taper the dose several weeks prior to surgery.

Orthopedic Durable Medical Equipment

Compass Memorial Healthcare’s Orthopedic and Surgery Department provides durable medical equipment to support your recovery and help you move safely and efficiently. If you have any questions, concerns, or issues with your equipment, please contact Rachael Vande Weerd, who will be happy to assist you.

Contact Information: 

Rachael Vande Weerd 
Phone: 319-321-5103

Recovery Wound Care

Compass Memorial Healthcare’s surgical team may send you home with special wound care instruments to support your healing after surgery. One of these may be the PICO 14, a single-use negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system designed to help protect your incision and promote recovery. Please review the document below to learn how this device works and what to expect during your healing process.