TRIPLE ANKLE ARTHRODESIS POST OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
Dressings
Your leg will be in a plaster cast from your knee to your toes. Your foot will be pointing down to relax your newly repaired ankle and you will be required to use crutches. You will be non weight bearing for 10 days till seen in my rooms. Your dressing will be taken down.
Your plaster will be changed and your stitches will be removed 10 to 12 days after your operation. Do not get your plaster cast wet. Most hospitals arrange an appointment at the orthopaedic outpatient department 10 days or so after your operation. The nurses will advise about sick notes, certificates etc.
Activity
You will be able to walk when you go home, but you should plan to rest up for the first 48 hours. During this time you can move your leg as you wish but you should avoid walking or standing for long periods. You will either be put in a moon boot or plaster of paris after your dressings are changed. Do not press on the plaster for 48 hours.
Pain
When the anaesthetic wears off you should expect some pain in the ankle but this should not be severe. If you experience pain you should use the tablets provided and elevate the ankle. Your heel may be painful. You will be given injections and later tablets to control this. Ask for more painkillers if the pain is getting worse.
Swelling
Some swelling is to be expected and it may actually increase gradually for the first two to three days. If the bandage feels tight you should re-apply it more lightly.
Work
It will be 6 -8 weeks before you can return to work. You should wait until you receive clearance at the follow-up check.
After you Go Home
When you go home, you will be able to move around the house and manage stairs with crutches. You will not be able to go shopping for the first few weeks after you go home. Make arrangements for friends or family to shop for you. Your ankle will continue to improve for up to six months. Do not let the plaster cast get wet. Do not cut or bang the plaster. Do not put anything down the inside of the plaster (e.g. coins). Do not use anything to scratch under the plaster. Come back to the hospital if:
• you have pins and needles or numbness in your toes
• you cannot move your toes
• your toes go blue
• your toes become very swollen or if you have severe pain.
If you are experiencing one or more of these it could be an indication of a problem with the nerves or the blood vessels in or around the area of surgery or of an infection. In this case you should return to the hospital urgently.
Follow Up
You should have an appointment at the rooms for 10 days following your operation. This is not automatically arranged so please telephone the rooms to make this appointment.
Concerns
Should you have any concerns please call Dr Hugh Blackley's Rooms on 09 522 2980
