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Our experts sat down with Becker’s Spine Review to explore how OrthoNebraska is shifting the way patients experience surgery, starting well before the operating room. 

Traditionally, orthopedic care has been compressed into a short window: consultation, surgery and recovery. But OrthoNebraska is expanding that timeline through prehabilitation, or “prehab,” helping patients prepare physically and mentally, weeks before their procedure. 

Instead of overwhelming patients with information right before surgery, prehab introduces them early to what recovery will actually look like. 

Preparing Patients Before the Procedure 

During prehab visits, patients meet with therapy teams and walk through everyday movements they’ll need after surgery, like navigating stairs or getting in and out of a car. 

They’re also introduced to the broader care team and environment ahead of time, building familiarity before they ever enter the operating room. 

Confidence Is Part of the Outcome 

That familiarity has a meaningful impact. Patients report feeling more confident, less anxious and better prepared for recovery. 

As orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Stojanovic shares in the article, the mental advantage can be just as important as physical preparation. 

Meeting the Moment in Modern Orthopedic Care 

This shift comes at a time when orthopedic care is rapidly evolving. With shorter hospital stays — often under 24 hours — more responsibility now falls on patients and caregivers at home. 

Prehab helps bridge that gap by setting expectations early and giving patients the tools they need before surgery even begins. 

Identifying Risks Earlier 

Prehabilitation also creates space to identify potential challenges ahead of time. Care teams can assess whether a patient needs additional support — or if it’s even the right time for surgery — before issues impact outcomes. 

It’s a proactive approach that turns preparation into prevention. 

Bringing Caregivers into the Process 

Another key component is the inclusion of caregivers. Prehab invites them into the process, giving them the knowledge and confidence to support recovery once the patient returns home. 

It’s a simple shift that can make a significant difference in outcomes and overall experience. 

The result is a more coordinated, human-centered approach to care, which prioritizes preparation, confidence and continuity. 

As programs like this become more common, we can improve outcomes while reshaping what patients should expect from surgical care. 

Read the full article in Becker’s Spine Review.