Foot and Ankle Surgery
The term “foot and ankle surgery” usually refers to the surgical removal of a problem in the foot or ankle. These problems may include ankle joint calcification (osteoarthritis), dislocation of the ankle joint (dislocation), fracture, or sprain of the ankle joint. Foot and ankle surgery is a surgical procedure to eliminate these problems.
In which cases is Foot and Ankle Surgery preferred?
Foot and ankle surgery is usually preferred for reasons such as pain, limitation of movement, or the foot or ankle not working properly. Foot and ankle surgery may also be preferred in the treatment of an injury to the foot or ankle. For example, foot and ankle surgery may be done to repair an ankle fracture or replace an ankle joint. Foot and ankle surgery may also be preferred to correct an abnormality in the foot or ankle. For example, foot and ankle surgery can be performed in cases where the ankle joint is congenitally misplaced.
How should the patient be prepared before Foot and Ankle Surgery?
Before surgery, patients should generally follow these steps:
- Having a meeting with the doctor or surgical team who will perform the surgery: Before the surgery, the patient should have a meeting with the doctor or surgical team who will perform the surgery. In this meeting, information is given about the instructions and precautions to be followed before and after the surgery, as well as the topics such as when the surgery will be performed, how long it will take, which anesthesia method will be used, and what the outcome of the surgery is likely to be.
- Evaluation of health status: Before the operation, the patient’s health status is evaluated by the doctor. This evaluation is usually done by methods such as physical examination, laboratory tests, and radiological examinations.
- Regulation of drugs: Before the operation, it may be necessary to regulate the drugs used by the patient. In particular, the use of some medications can be stopped or changed within a few days before surgery. It is important to follow the doctor’s recommendations in this regard.
- A healthy diet: It is recommended to follow a healthy diet before surgery. In this way, the intake of vitamins and minerals necessary for the body is provided and the recovery process of the body is assisted in the postoperative period.
- Following the pre-operative instructions: It is important to follow the instructions given by the patient before the operation. For example, there may be guidelines not to eat, smoke or take certain medications for a certain period of time before surgery.
Foot and ankle surgery is performed to surgically remove a problem that occurs in the foot or ankle. These problems may include conditions such as calcification of the ankle joint (osteoarthritis), dislocation of the ankle joint (dislocation), and fracture or sprain of the ankle joint. Foot and ankle surgery may also be done to correct an abnormality in the foot or ankle.
Foot and ankle surgery is usually performed under anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia may vary depending on factors such as how long the surgery will take, in which area it will be performed, and the patient’s health status. During the surgery, the doctor takes the necessary actions to correct the problem that occurs in the foot or ankle. For example, in the case of the replacement of the ankle joint, the joint is placed in place and fixed in place using materials such as metal screws or plates.
Foot and ankle surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries a certain risk. These risks may include problems during anesthesia, bleeding, infection, nerve damage, or an undesirable reaction. However, these risks are very rare and can usually be resolved in the postoperative period.