Risks of Foot/Ankle Surgery

  • Surgery is a significant stress on the body. There are risks of surgery, which also include the risk of anesthesia.
  • Surgery should only be carried forth if you understand and accept the risks listed below.
    • The risks include but are not limited to infection, blood loss, damage to the adjacent nerves, arteries, and veins, nonunion (failure of bones to unite/heal), malunion (bones uniting/healing in an imperfect position), need for further surgery, scarring, or persistent pain.
    • Major risks include but are not limited to: stroke, heart attack, nerve damage, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolus (PE), amputation, and death.
  • If you are a smoker, you are more likely to have a postoperative wound complication. 
  • For your safety, please share any complications with past surgeries or procedures that you have experienced, with your surgeon before your scheduled surgery.

Tips for Safer Surgery 

To Avoid Infection:
Antibiotics are usually given before surgery and stopped within 24 hours after surgery. Please check with your provider for their specific instructions. Given properly, antibiotics can greatly lower your chances of getting an infection after surgery.

To Avoid Blood Clots:
When you have surgery, you are at risk of getting blood clots because you do not move while under anesthesia. Please tell your medical provider if you or a family member has a history of blood clots. Your provider will then discuss your risk for blood clots and steps to prevent them. 

To Avoid Heart Attacks:
Tell your provider about all the medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter medications like aspirin and herbal remedies. Your doctor or nurse will tell you which medicines you should continue to take and which ones you should stop taking before surgery.