Dr. Matthew Provencher is a practicing physician at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. Our hospital and surgery center at the Vail Valley Medical Center offers the most advanced and innovative computer systems, medical equipment and surgical instruments available in the orthopedic industry today.

Ranked among the best hospitals and surgery centers in the nation, Vail Valley Medical Center is equipped to handle trauma, emergency and all facets of surgery. We offer patients a comfortable, relaxed and organized setting so each orthopedic procedure can take place on time and with no worries.

After your initial visit and Dr. Provencher determines an orthopedic surgical procedure will be the next step towards treating your condition or injury, surgery can be scheduled by calling our office during regular business hours at 970-479-5806.

Dr. Provencher provides each patient undergoing surgery a distinct set of guidelines for pre-operative, post-operative and rehabilitation recovery. Those will be discussed and provided to you in detail upon your pre-surgery visit.

Pre-Operative Guidelines

  • Do not consume food or liquids after midnight on the evening prior to your surgery date due to complications associated with anesthesia. This includes mints and chewing gum. Additionally, we recommend that you do not smoke, chew tobacco or consume alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to your surgery.
  • Stop taking all herbal remedies, aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications (Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naproxen, etc.) seven days prior to surgery unless otherwise instructed. However, it is acceptable to take Tylenol (acetaminophen) if medication is needed for pain. Please contact Dr. Provencher’s office for detailed instructions on other medications designed to treat blood pressure, heart conditions, acid reflux and/or seizures.
  • Have someone available to take you home. You will not be able to drive for at least 24 hours following the procedure.
  • Do not drink or eat anything in the car on the trip home. The combination of anesthesia, food and car motion may cause nausea or vomiting. After arriving home, wait until you are hungry before attempting to eat. Begin with a light meal and try to avoid greasy food for the first 24 hours.
  • If you had surgery on an extremity, keep the extremity elevated and use ice as directed.
  • Take your pain medication as directed by Dr. Provencher. Begin pain medication as you start getting uncomfortable, but before you are in severe pain.

What to Bring to Surgery:

  • Athletic shoes
  • Shorts
  • Loose, comfortable clothes (they may become stained, so make sure they are not your favorites)

Knee patients:

  • Crutches (if you already have some)
  • Knee brace (if you already have one)

Shoulder patients:

  • Loose fitting button-up shirts