Foot Surgery: What to Expect
www.knowyourbones.com
Stephanie E. Siegrist, M. D., 980 Westfall Rd., Suite 105., Rochester, NY 14618 / 585-271-4272
What kind of surgery? How long will healing take? It depends on what has to be done to correct your problem. Simple problems that need only minor surgery will heal quicker than major reconstruction.
· For Neuroma removal or mild deformities that need only a simple bone cut or release of some ligaments, you can bear weight as tolerated in the Post-Op shoe or sturdy sandals (like Birkenstocks.) Gradually increase activity as healing permits.
· Severe deformities or advanced arthritis in the big toe need more work to solve the problem. The bone is cut, basically creating a fracture. It is held in its new position with screws.
· The screws are only strong enough to hold the bones together until solid healing, about 6 weeks. The screws are stainless steel, only 3 mm wide, about 1-inch long. They do not need to be removed.
· After straightening severe hammertoes, pins might be placed through the bones to hold them in place for 3-4 weeks. The pins are removed in the office; they come out easily, no anesthesia is needed.
· You can only walk on your heel for 6 weeks until the bone is solidly healed.
Outpatient surgery (you go home the same day) on a Wednesday or Friday at:
· Westfall Surgery Center (www.westfallsurgery.com) or
· Rochester Ambulatory Surgery Center
(www.rochestergeneral.org/centers-and-services/ambulatory-care/new-ambulatory-surgery-center/)
· Takes about 1-2 hours. Again, depends on what needs to be done.
· Anesthesia:
o For minor procedures, you will be sedated and your foot will be numbed with long-acting “novocaine” for the surgery.
o For more complex procedures, you will be completely asleep (general anesthesia.)
· The anesthesiologist or surgery center nurse will call you the night before surgery to review details.
· You will need someone to drive you home. Expect to be at the surgery center for at least 4 hours.
Foot Surgery: What to Expect
www.knowyourbones.com
Stephanie E. Siegrist, M. D., 980 Westfall Rd., Suite 105., Rochester, NY 14618 / 585-271-4272
How long will healing take? It depends on what has to be done:
· After minor procedures: expect 75% healing by 3-4 weeks postop. You can bear weight as tolerated in the Post-Op shoe or sturdy sandals (like Birkenstocks.) Gradually increase activity as healing permits.
· After more complex procedures: expect 75% healing by 6-8 weeks postop. You can only walk on your heel for 6 weeks until the bone is solidly healed. Use a cane, crutches or a walker at first to avoid limping.
· Full recovery depends on the condition of your foot, how much tissue has to heal, your general health and your commitment to the rehab exercises; it could take up to 1 year for all the swelling to resolve.
· Your follow-up office visits will be 2 weeks, 6 weeks and about 3-4 months postop to follow your progress and healing. If there are any problems, you’ll be seen more often.
· You’ll work on a series of exercises, starting 1 day postop, to reduce swelling, regain range of motion, then normal walking and balance as you heal. Most patients rehab on their own; others need Physical Therapy.
· It’s OK to drive after a few days IF you have LEFT foot surgery and are confident about controlling your car. If you have RIGHT foot surgery, it will take longer. Use common sense. DON’T drive if you can’t manage the pedals.
Time out of work depends on your job. Talk to your employer about returning to work with restrictions for the first few weeks after surgery. Everyone is different, but generally:
· Within 1 week: return to an office job with minimal walking, leg elevated, take breaks, use crutches/cane.
· 2-6 weeks: seated work with limited walking and stairs. No climbing, squatting or carrying >10 pounds
· 6-12 weeks: if walking without a cane or limp, you can spend up to a few hours on your feet; start climbing, squatting or carrying.
· 3+ months: no particular restrictions; use common sense.
What are the risks associated with this operation:
· Infection.
· Medical problems related to anesthesia, like heart or breathing complications.
· Excessive bleeding or bruising, especially if you’re on blood thinners or bruise easily.
· Continued pain or stiffness in the foot, or recurrence of the deformity, despite everything going as expected.
· If the bone has to be cut and fixed with a screw, the bone may not heal and the screw could break, especially if you walk on it too soon.
· Blood clot, which can be dangerous if it travels from your leg vein to your lungs. This is not likely because it is a short procedure and you start gentle exercises soon after surgery. If you have a history of blood clots, we’ll work with your primary-care doctor on prescribing blood-thinners postop to prevent another one.
Prepare for your surgery and you’ll have a speedy recovery:
· Practice using your cane, crutches or walker, especially on stairs.
· See your primary-care physician for preoperative medical clearance (EKG if needed, etc…) and fill out the paperwork for the Surgery Center.
· If you have chronic health issues, you may need to see your cardiologist or other specialist before surgery.
· If you take Coumadin, Plavix or other blood-thinner, we’ll contact your doctor who prescribes it. Usually, patients stop taking their blood thinner 5 days before surgery, and re-start the day after.
· Stop taking any anti-inflammatory medicines (Motrin, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Aspirin…) and supplements like glucosamine 7 days before surgery to prevent excess bleeding (you’ll restart them after the operation.)
· Please write down any notes or questions, and bring them to your pre-operative visit for us to talk about.
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