Foot Repair Surgery Cost and Foot Repair Surgery Procedures Information

Foot Repair Surgery Cost and Procedure Introduction

Foot repair surgery is an arthroscopic procedure performed through tiny incisions, using an instrument called an arthroscope. The arthroscope (or “scope”) is a tube that contains a camera and other surgical instruments. Surgeons use this procedure to treat foot problems such as fractures, pain, birth defects, torn ligaments from injury and many other issues. Arthroscopic foot surgeries are performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility by an orthopedic surgeon. Patients are usually able to come home the day of the surgery, typically one to two hours after the procedure. Most patients can resume normal activities after healing from the surgery, though the timeline varies greatly depending on the severity of the issue.

Patient Preparation for Foot Repair Surgery

A physical examination will be performed along with blood or other diagnostic tests, including X-rays and MRIs. It is particularly important to inform the physician of all medications or vitamins taken regularly or if you are pregnant (or think you might be pregnant). Tell your doctor if you have heart, lung or other medical conditions that may need special attention. And, finally, let your doctor know if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin or other medications that affect blood clotting. You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for the surgery; be sure to read and follow those instructions. You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. You will need to make arrangements for transportation after the surgery is complete. If you are given a prescription for pain medication, have it filled prior to surgery.

What to Expect During and After Foot Repair Surgery

The surgery itself can take as little as one hour, though it could take longer, depending of the severity of the problem. The preparation and recovery time may take several hours. Most patients go home the same day if there are no major problems. An intravenous line is inserted into the arm to administer a sedative and a painkiller. Also, your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure. In most cases, the procedure is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). Typically, arthroscopic surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon, who will make a few small incisions around the ankle and foot. After inserting the arthroscope, the surgeon will locate the problem via a monitor attached to the camera in the scope. The surgeon will then correct the issue using the surgical tools contained in the arthroscope (repair the damaged ligament for example). After incisions are closed — using stitches or steri-strips — your foot will be wrapped in a soft bandage. Your doctor may also place your foot in a cast or brace.

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will be discharged to your home. Before being discharged, you will be given instructions about care for your incisions, limits on activities, physical therapy exercises and other things you should do to aid your recovery. If you notice any of the following, call the number the hospital gave you: Fever, excessive sweating, difficulty urinating, redness, bleeding or worsening pain.