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About Orthopedic Specialists

Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle provides new and advanced procedures including endoscopic carpel tunnel release surgery for carpal tunnel syrome, complex joint restoration procedures, anterior approach hip replacement surgery, and more.

Lapidus Bunion Correction: 1st Post-op

  1. You may shower tonight, letting soapy water run over your incision(s) and patting them dry with a towel. You should avoid submerging the leg (bath, pool, hot tub, etc.) for at least one week.
  2. You will be strict non-weightbearing in the post-op shoe/boot while out of the house with limited heel-weight bearing while in the house.
  3. I have showed you in clinic today how to perform a bunion wrap to fine-tune the position of the toe. You should continue to perform this wrap daily. If you notice any drifting of the great toe towards the second toe, you may use tape as added fine-tuning. The bunion wrap should ALWAYS be in place unless you are showering.
  4. You will continue to ice and elevate the leg as much as possible. Elevating the leg above the level of the heart will reduce the amount of time required to bring down the swelling.
  5. I would like to see you back in 4 weeks for your next follow-up appointment. We will obtain new x-rays at that time. If there is appropriate evidence of healing, we will likely have you begin progressive weightbearing in the post-op shoe or walking boot.

Hindfoot Fusion: 1st Post-op

  1. You may shower tonight if you have a waterproof cast. Do NOT submerge the leg under water.
  2. You will be strict non-weightbearing in the cast.
  3. You should continue taking the blood clot prevention medication (aspirin or equivalent) as prescribed until you are at least 4 weeks post-op.
  4. I would like to see you back in 4 weeks for a follow-up appointment. We will obtain new x-rays at that time. If there is appropriate evidence of healing, we will likely have you begin progressive weightbearing in a boot.

Distal Chevron Bunion Correction: 1st Post-op

  1. You may shower tonight, letting soapy water run over your incision(s) and patting them dry with a towel. You should avoid submerging the leg (bath, pool, hot tub, etc.) for at least one week.
  2. You will remain heel-weightbearing in the post-op shoe for another 2 weeks. At 4 weeks post-op, you may transition to full-foot weight bearing in the flat post-op shoe, which will be provided to you today.
  3. I have showed you in clinic today how to perform a bunion wrap to fine-tune the position of the toe. You should continue to perform this wrap daily. If you notice any drifting of the great toe towards the second toe, you may use tape as added fine-tuning. The bunion wrap should ALWAYS be in place unless you are showering.
  4. You will continue to ice and elevate the leg as much as possible. Elevating the leg above the level of the heart will reduce the amount of time required to bring down the swelling.
  5. I would like to see you back in 4 weeks for your next follow-up appointment. We will obtain new x-rays at that time.

1st MTP Cheilectomy: 1st Post-op

  1. You may shower tonight, letting soapy water run over your incision(s) and patting them dry with a towel. You should avoid submerging the leg (bath, pool, hot tub, etc.) for at least one week.
  2. Continue to perform passive range of motion exercises of the great toe, at least twice per day.
    • Using your fingers, rapidly alternate between up and down for 2-3 minutes.
    • Slowly push to extremes of motion, holding for a 5-count. As your discomfort and sensitivity decrease, you may use the floor to push off for greater range of motion.
  3. You may wean out of the post-op shoe and back into regular supportive shoes as your swelling and scar sensitivity allows. Most patients are transitioning back into regular shoes at around 3-4 weeks post-op, but you may begin as tolerated.
  4. Use a dressing or a thick sock to prevent the post-op shoe from rubbing on the incision.
  5. Once you have returned to regular shoes, you may increase activities in a step-wise fashion.
    • I would like you to first become comfortable with activities of daily living before reintroducing straight-line, low-impact activities (walking, bicycling, or working out on the elliptical trainer).
    • Once you are comfortable at this level, you may then reintroduce higher-impact, straight-line activities (jogging and running).
    • The final step will be the addition of activities involving lateral movement and uneven ground.
  6. Continue to ice and elevate as needed.
  7. In 2 weeks, you may begin applying a scar cream (vitamin E based, such as Mederma) or silicone sheets.
  8. Physical therapy is not typically required, but can be initiated as soon as 2 weeks post-op if needed or desired.
  9. I would like to see you back in 4 weeks for your next follow-up appointment.

Ankle Arthroscopy with Microfracture: 1st Post-op

  1. You may shower tonight, letting soapy water run over your incision(s) and patting them dry with a towel. You should avoid submerging the leg (pool, bath, hot tub, etc.) for at least one week.
  2. You will begin progressive weightbearing in the boot and continue this until your next follow-up. Please refer to the separate handout.
  3. Use an ace bandage or a thick sock to prevent the boot from rubbing on the incision(s).
  4. You will wear the boot at all times (including sleeping), except for the following:
    • Bathing, showering
    • Exercises
    • In a completely controlled environment, for the purpose of icing
  5. You will start doing exercises for the ankle to maximize your post-op flexibility. You will do these twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening:
    • You will write the alphabet with your foot. Do two repetitions.
    • Stretch the Achilles by placing a towel across the ball of your foot and pulling up. Hold each stretch for a five-count and do five repetitions.
  6. You will continue to ice and elevate the leg as much as possible. Elevating the leg above the level of the heart will reduce the amount of time required to bring down the swelling.
  7. If there is appropriate healing, you will begin transitioning out of the boot at 6 weeks post-op.
  8. I would like to see you back in 4 weeks for your next follow-up appointment.