Foot and Ankle

  • Ankle Joint Reconstruction
  • Bunionectomy

Overview

Foot and ankle surgery may be required for several different conditions such as bunions, tears, arthritis, and fractures. Surgery often becomes a necessary treatment to relieve pain and correct any problems with the foot and ankle structures. The most common types of foot and ankle surgery are ankle joint reconstruction, total ankle replacement, and bunionectomy. 

If you choose surgery for your foot or ankle condition, the surgeon will typically perform either open surgery or a minimally invasive procedure. Both surgical techniques are considered major surgery and pain is expected after your procedure. It is important to talk to your doctor about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure to optimize your recovery and pain relief.

Before the Procedure

Your clinical care team, surgeon, and anesthesia provider will determine the best pain management solution specific to your post-operative plan.

Once you arrive at the hospital or surgery center, an anesthesia provider will determine which type of anesthesia is best for you and your surgery. Based on their assessment, your anesthesia provider may place a continuous nerve block catheter connected to a pain pump to extend your pain relief near the joint. The pump will allow a local anesthetic to be delivered to relieve pain near the surgical area.

Your surgeon also has the option to place the pain pump if that is their preference. With the surgeon’s placement, the catheter is inserted near the joint or surgical site during the procedure.

During the Procedure

If your anesthesia provider places your catheter, they will protect the catheter during the procedure. If your surgeon places the catheter, they will insert the catheter towards the end of the surgical procedure.

After the Procedure

Your surgeon will have discussed whether you will be admitted to the hospital after surgery or go home the same day. Pain is expected but should be tolerable. After the procedure, you will be educated on how to use your pain pump and any other pain medications.

Your First Day at Home

Follow your clinician’s instructions regarding caretaker support, diet, recovery, and rehabilitation. They will also educate you on your pain pump prior to going home.

If you have questions or need more information on your pain pump, please check out our FAQ page and Resources page or call our 24/7 nurse hotline at 1-800-444-2728.

REFERENCES

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/foot-and-ankle-surgery 

https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/foot-and-ankle-injury/foot-and-ankle-treatments#:~:text=Ankle%20replacement%20surgery%20removes%20a,the%20bone%20has%20broken%20off.