Orthopedic Surgery for Work Injuries in Chicago
Most work injuries heal without surgery. When one does need an operation, Illinois Orthopedic Network’s surgeons, therapists and case managers handle it as one team, from the first exam to your return to work.
- Non-surgical treatment is tried first when it is appropriate
- Shoulder and knee arthroscopy, rotator cuff and meniscus repair, fractures
- Surgery at ION’s surgical facility or at partner hospitals
- Case managers handle pre-certification with the insurer
Request an appointment
Takes 30 seconds. The scheduling team calls you back during office hours.
When is surgery considered for a work injury?
Surgery is usually considered when an injury has not improved with rest, therapy and other treatment, or when the injury itself needs repair, such as a badly broken bone or a full tendon tear. Your surgeon will explain why it is being recommended, what the other options are, and what recovery looks like, before you decide.
Not sure surgery is right? A second opinion is common before an operation, and many workers ask for one.
Injuries that sometimes need surgery
- Shoulder: rotator cuff tears and other injuries that can be treated with arthroscopy (small incisions and a camera)
- Knee: meniscus tears and other injuries treated with knee arthroscopy
- Fractures: hip, foot and ankle fractures
- Degenerative conditions made worse by work
Whether you need surgery depends on your exam and imaging. Many people with these injuries recover with non-surgical care.
Where surgery takes place
Depending on the procedure, surgery is done at Illinois Orthopedic Network’s own surgical facility or at a partner hospital. Your care team will tell you where and why, and help with the arrangements.
Approval from the workers’ comp insurer
Insurers often review surgery before approving it. ION’s case managers help with the pre-certification paperwork and keep the insurer, and your attorney if you have one, updated. When the claim is accepted, the employer’s insurance pays for reasonable and necessary surgery for the work injury. See who pays for treatment.
Recovery and rehab after surgery
Most operations are followed by therapy. ION has in-house physical, occupational and certified hand therapists, so rehab is planned by the same team that did the surgery. Your surgeon sets work restrictions as you heal, and the insurer relies on those notes for time-off benefits. Physical therapy and rehab.
Common questions
Will I need surgery for my work injury?
Most work injuries do not need surgery. It depends on the injury, your exam and imaging, and how you respond to other treatment. Your surgeon will explain the options before anything is decided.
Can I choose my own surgeon under workers’ comp?
In Illinois you generally get two choices of doctor, plus any specialists they refer you to. A surgeon you are referred to by your chosen doctor is part of that chain. Preferred Provider Programs can change this, so mention it if your employer has one.
Who pays for surgery?
When the claim is accepted, the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance pays for reasonable and necessary surgery for the work injury. The insurer may review the surgery first, and ION’s case managers help with that paperwork.
Will I be off work after surgery?
Often, at least for a while. Your surgeon decides your restrictions. If you are taken off work, temporary total disability benefits may apply at two-thirds of your average weekly wage, within state limits.
Hurt at work in Chicago? See a doctor first. Illinois Orthopedic Network usually sees injured workers the same day or the next.
General information only, not medical advice. Treatment depends on your injury and your provider’s exam. No outcome is guaranteed.