Lower Extremity Fracture Care Postoperative Instructions

Wound Care

  • Leave the dressing in place following surgery until your follow-up visit with the physician. 
  • Ice and elevation along with pain medicine are your keys to initial pain management. 
    • Ice for 20 minutes each hour over surgical site. DO NOT PLACE DIRECTLY ON SKIN.
  • If you were given crutches upon discharge, use as directed. 

Bracing 

  • If you are placed in a brace after surgery, it must be worn at all times (even sleep) until instructed otherwise by your therapist or physician. 

Bathing 

  • The splint must stay clean and dry. 
  • Bathing recommendations if splint in place: 
    • Wrap splint with a durable trash bag and tape to skin above the level of the splint. 
    • Do not immerse splint in bath. Hold splint outside of the tub. 
    • Showers are not recommended. 
  • If the cast gets wet, dry the inside as much as possible with a hairdryer on COOL air setting. DO NOT USE HEAT. 

Medications 

  • Norco 7.5/325mg (Hydrocodone/Tylenol). Take 1-2 tabs every 4-6 hours as needed for pain. 
  • We recommend an over-the-counter stool softener (Colace) as directed while on narcotics to prevent constipation. 
  • Aspirin 81mg twice daily for 6 weeks to decrease the risk of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots).
    • If at increased risk for DVT, you may be prescribed Aspirin 325 mg twice daily for 6 weeks.
  • Zofran 4mg. Take 1 tab every 4 hours as needed for nausea.

Local Nerve Block 

  • You may have received an injection into your leg to numb the leg prior to surgery that should relieve much of your pain for about 8-12 hours but may NOT completely eliminate your pain. 
  • While your leg/foot is numb, do not place objects directly under your heel for support – this may cause pressure sores or infection. 

Post-Op Office Appointment 

  • If the appointment was not arranged prior to surgery, please contact the office at (631) 298-4579

Emergencies or Concerns 

  • Contact us at (631) 298-4579 or go to the nearest emergency room. 
    • Pain worsens or does not go away after pain medication is taken. 
    • Redness or swelling in your thigh or calf that will not decrease. 
    • Difficulties moving your toes. 
    • Develop a fever greater than 100.4 degrees. 
  • Please note that refills on pain medication will not be approved during evenings or on weekends.