Orthopedic patients in an ambulatory surgery facility.

There is no doubt that ambulatory surgical intervention is here to stay. The advantages afforded the patient are substantial. Orthopedic procedures that previously required one to two nights of hospitalization are now routinely performed on an outpatient basis. This is a result of an increase in the use of arthroscopic surgery and an awareness of the importance of preoperative preparation and postoperative follow-up of the patient. Given the usual localized nature of orthopedic problems, the usual pre-existing good health of the orthopedic patient, and his or her desire to return to normal functioning as soon as possible, the scope of what can be accomplished on an ambulatory surgical basis is just beginning to be realized.