Foot Reconstruction

Foot and ankle reconstruction procedures may include a combination of:  

• Fracture fixation: involves the use of plates, screws or wires to fix fractures.  

• Osteotomy and realignment: cutting bone and modifying its position to correct deformities or off-load arthritic joints. 

• Joint arthrodesis: permanent positional fixing of a joint. 

• Tendon repair, reconstruction or transfer: suturing, reinforcement or grafting of a tendon to restore function. 

• Ligament repair or reconstruction: suturing, reinforcement or grafting of a ligament to restore function. 
• Soft tissue reconstruction: repair of soft tissue damage using cosmetic surgical techniques. 
• Amputation: where the limb is unsalvagable.  
• External fixation: using a frame to stabilise and correct bone and joint. 
• Nerve repair: including surgical release to alleviate pain and restore nerve function. 
• Joint replacement: involving the implantation of prosthetic components or donor bone.

• You will receive a thorough health assessment: including medical history. You may be advised to modify certain lifestyle factors and you may be referred to another specialist. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications as your surgery date approaches. X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs will be used to evaluate your condition and plan your surgery.  
• Skin and bowel preparation: On the evening before your surgery, you will be asked to wash your leg using the sponge provided at your pre-admission clinic. A skin test may be administered if an iodine allergy is suspected. You will also be provided medicine to help you evacuate your bowels prior to surgery.
• Patient education: if neccessary, you may speak with a physiotherapist who can advise you on post-operative mobility. 

On the day of the surgery

• You will be asked to complete your surgical paperwork and will meet with the anaesthetist.
• The surgical site will be prepared.
• You will be administered general or spinal anaesthesia depending on the nature of your procedure. 
• Your procedure will be completed.
• The wound will be sutured and dressed.

   

After your surgery

• In-patient care: you will remain in hospital for between one and several days for monitoring and early-stage rehabilition. 
• Pain and swelling: You may experience mild to moderate pain. You will be prescribed painkillers to manage these symptoms. Inflammation can be controlled by icing (15 minutes per hour maximum) and elevation.
• Mobilising: You will be required to immobilise for between one and twelve weeks, depending on the nature of your surgery. 
• Aftercare: at one week post-surgery, you will be required to attend a wound check and at two weeks your sutures will be removed. At 6 weeks, you will undergo further X-rays to assess healing, and at three months after your surgery for the same reason. You may be prescribed blood thinners to reduce the risk of a clot developing. A tailored physiotherapy protocol will be provided to help you to regain strength, flexibility and mobility.