PROPER CARE DURING THE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF YOUR SURGICAL TREATMENT PROGRAM. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE FOLLOWED TO INSURE PROPER HEALING AND THE BEST POSSIBLE RESULTS.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:

• Possibility of dizziness and nausea from anesthesia for the first 12 to 24 hours.
• Constipation, which may be caused by medication or the inactivity of bed rest. Relief may be achieved by Milk of Magnesia at bedtime.
• Limited swelling, the skin may take on a bruised appearance.
• Limited bleeding on bandage. A small amount is normal and no cause for alarm.
• Numbness, which may persist for 12 to 24 hours.

PROTOCOL:

• Elevating feet 6 inches above your hip by supporting both feet and legs with a pillow.
• Ice should be applied above the dressing for 30 minutes per hour for the first three days. Ice need not be applied during sleeping hours.
• Bandages/cast should be kept clean and dry. DO NOT REMOVE THE BANDAGES TO INSPECT THE WOUND.
• Bathing is permitted as long as bandages are covered in plastic and leg is outside the tub. NO SHOWERS.
• Ambulation is permitted as necessary full/partial/nonweight bearing left/right foot using surgical shoe/crutches/walker only as tolerated. It is most important that you always wear your surgical shoe when walking. It is not necessary it be worn in bed.

We are all interested in your comfort during recovery. If you have any problems, questions, or concerns you can call the office anytime. There is a doctor on call 24 hours a day. Call the office immediately in the following circumstances:

• Bandages become overly stained.
• Medication does not stop discomfort or causes an abnormal reaction.
• You should bump/injure the surgical site.
• You develop fever.
• You get your dressing wet.