Day of Ankle Replacement Surgery

Do not eat or drink except for the medication you have been instructed to take with a sip of water. Repeat the cleansing shower with the antibacterial soap.

Arrive at the hospital or surgery center at the instructed time prior to your surgery. Make sure your physician assistant or fellow has your local contact number to inform you of any changes in the operating room time.

Once you are at the hospital and have checked in, you will be brought to the preoperative area, where a nurse and the anesthesia team will get you ready for surgery and answer your questions.

After Surgery

After surgery you will go to the recovery room for a few hours and then to your regular patient room. You will have a nasal cannula (tube) delivering oxygen to you until you are discharged from the hospital.

You may have a postoperative drain coming out from your cast. Your nurse may remove it before you are discharged home or you may be given instructions on how and when to remove this drain at home. The drain is very important since it helps prevent the accumulation of blood under the skin.

You may have a catheter delivering pain medication at the back of your knee or hip. People usually go home with this pain pump and are given instructions on removing the pump at home.

You can expect the nurse to check on you frequently. Your nurse will assist you in moving around in bed, and the nursing assistant will help you with hygiene needs during your hospital stay.

Length of Hospital Stay

The expected length of stay is one night, which means you can expect to go home on the day following your procedure.

Prior to the day of your surgery, please make arrangements for transportation after discharge, which takes place between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

The physical therapist will make sure you are doing well and that you can move in and out of bed. You will be given additional postoperative instructions from the nurse and prescriptions for pain medication prior to discharge.

Blood Clot Prevention

Patients who have a total ankle replacement will not generally need specific medication for blood clot prevention. If you took Coumadin prior to surgery for
other medical conditions, you will receive instructions regarding how to resume taking your medication.

Visitors’ Information

Visitors are welcome, but please limit the number to two people at a time.

Children under 12 years of age are allowed only in special circumstances. Please check with the nurse. One person can usually stay overnight to assist you as needed.

Overnight visitation requires a visitors’ pass after 9:00 p.m. The pass can be obtained from the unit secretary.

Cell phones should not be used in patient rooms but may be used in the hall outside of the unit. Please be respectful of other patients’ privacy and keep the noise level low.

Care Expectations

You will have a team of health care professionals taking care of you from your pre-surgery clinic visit to your post-surgery follow-up.

Your team consists of:

• Attending physicians, foot and ankle fellows, orthopaedic residents, physician assistants, and medical students. There is always a doctor who is available to evaluate you, write orders, or answer questions.
• Nurses and nursing assistants. They will provide round-the-clock monitoring of your condition and will give you medications, treatments, and personal care. You will be encouraged to attend to as much of your own hygiene as you are able.
• Physical therapist. Your therapist will work with you on your mobility and show you how to transfer out of bed without putting weight on your foot. They will show you how to use crutches or a walker safely.
• Patient resource manager (PRM). Your PRM will assist you with making discharge arrangements and contact your insurance company if necessary.

There are many other staff members from departments that contribute to your care, including the operating room, radiology, laboratory services, and food services.

Three meals a day are served by food services. Please inform your nurse if you have any food preferences or special needs.

Each bed is equipped with a nurse call system to request help. When your call is answered, please let them know what is needed so they can respond appropriately.

It is important that you participate in your care and recovery as much as possible.