Is ankle surgery considered major surgery?

Minor Ankle Procedures + Standard Protocol

These ankle surgeries are considered more minor and have the advantage that most patients can walk much sooner. Because we find that our patients are careful during the recovery time, we allow our patients to put full weight on their ankle after their first post-op visit.

Is ankle surgery serious?

What are the risks of ankle surgery? Ankle surgery may cause complications, including: Bleeding and blood clots (deep vein thrombosis). Damage to nerves or blood vessels in the ankle.

How long does the average ankle surgery take?

The operation usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Your surgeon will make one or more cuts to expose the broken bones on the inner and outer sides of your ankle. They will usually fix the fractures using screws and a plate, although sometimes they need to use other devices.

Is foot surgery considered to be major?

Foot surgery is not generally considered major surgery, but because it is not always as easy to rest the foot as other parts of the body, postoperative problems or complications can occur. This could lead to delays to your recovery and could affect the success of your surgery.

How long do you have to stay in the hospital after ankle surgery?

If you are outpatient, you will go home on the same day after becoming fully awake in a recovery room after surgery. The amount of time from surgery to being fully awake is typically between three and six hours.

Ankle Surgery: Everything You Need to Know

How long is bed rest after ankle surgery?

Brief Summary: After a patient has fractured an ankle that then requires surgery, the recommendation is to remain in bed, with the operated leg elevated on pillows for 48 hours.

How soon after ankle surgery can I walk?

There are a few operations where a patient can be expected to resume wearing standard footwear in as little as 2-3 weeks but the majority of foot and ankle operations take at least 8 weeks before standard footwear can be attempted.

What is the most common ankle surgery?

The modified Brostrom procedure is the most common surgical procedure used for ankle reconstruction, primarily to repair the anterior talofibular ligament. This procedure tightens the lateral ankle ligaments, usually by detaching the ligaments on the fibula and reattaching them in a tighter position on the bone.

Does ankle surgery require hospitalization?

Most foot and ankle surgery is considered outpatient, which means you go home the same day surgery is performed. Some patients or procedures require more monitoring immediately post op and may stay over night in the hospital to ensure their pain is well controlled.

Is ankle ligament surgery painful?

However, it is common to experience some amount of pain for up to 2-3 months after surgery. This pain is usually mild and occurs after increased physical activities. You can apply ice to your ankle or take anti-inflammatory medications of this occurs.

Can you go home after ankle surgery?

Going Home from the Hospital

You must arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. This is best completed before surgery. You will NOT be able to drive home and you may not drive until cleared to do so by your surgeon.

Do they put you to sleep for ankle surgery?

Background: The "wide-awake" approach to foot and ankle surgery is characterized by a surgeon-administered mixture of local anesthetic and epinephrine. No tourniquet, sedation, or general anesthesia are required for surgery.

When can I drive after ankle surgery?

Conclusion: We conclude that patients with isolated, surgically treated right ankle fractures can successfully pass a standard driving test at 6 weeks post-surgery, even before weight bearing has been initiated.

How long does ankle hurt after surgery?

When the nerve block wears off, there will be a significant amount of pain that will not be able to be completely relieved with the pain medication. This will last for 2-3 days, and then the pain level will begin to decrease appreciably for most patients.

How safe is ankle surgery?

Complications of foot and ankle surgery can include infections, swelling and stiffness, and wound haematoma (bleeding). If you're generally healthy the risk of a serious complication from an operation is very small. Every possible care is taken to prevent complications, but in a few cases these do happen.

Do screws stay in after ankle surgery?

The screws and plates will remain in the ankle unless they start causing any issues such as irritation or pain. Your doctor will monitor the healing of the ankle over the recovery period with regular x-rays. Some patients may also require some physical therapy to regain ankle strength and full movement of the joint.

What can you not do after ankle surgery?

In the days and weeks after surgery, you'll likely be told to avoid putting too much (if any) weight on your foot, avoid unnecessary physical labor, and rest as much as possible. You'll also, obviously, prefer to avoid any preventable accidents when moving around the house, or navigating up and down stairs.

Is a catheter used during ankle surgery?

During surgery, a Foley catheter is placed in your bladder for effortless urination. They will remove the catheter before going home. If you can't urinate after 24 hours of surgery, ensure you call your clinic for more instructions. Antibiotics, anesthesia, and pain medications can result in vomiting and nausea.

What happens after ankle surgery?

Immediately after surgery, your ankle will be immobilized for a few weeks. You will not be able to put weight on your ankle during this time and may use crutches, a knee scooter, or a wheelchair to get around. A shower chair or bench may be helpful to keep weight off your leg in the shower.

What is an ankle surgery called?

Lateral ankle ligament reconstruction is a surgery to tighten and firm up one or more ankle ligaments on the outside of your ankle. It's also known as the Brostrom procedure. It's most often done as an outpatient surgery, so you can go home the same day.

How do you recover from a ankle surgery?

Recovery guidelines

We'll likely recommend that you rest and elevate your ankle for about two weeks following surgery and then gradually reintroduce activity. You'll have regular follow-up appointments scheduled, and it will be important for you to attend each one.

What is the fastest way to recover from ankle surgery?

How should I sleep after ankle surgery?

Sleep on your back with a pillow between your knees. Avoid crossing your surgical leg across the middle of your body. Sleep on your non-operative side with pillows between your legs. Avoid bending your knees.

How long do you wear a boot after ankle surgery?

Orthopedic boots protect broken bones and other injuries of the lower leg, ankle, or foot. They prevent more damage and help the area heal. Your doctor may have you use a boot for 1 to 6 weeks.