Patient Information Resources


Orthogate
1089 Spadina Road
Toronto, AL M5N 2M7
Ph: 416-483-2654
Fax: 416-483-2654
christian@orthogate.com






Ankle
Child Orthopedics
Elbow
Foot
General
Hand
Hip
Knee
Shoulder
Spine - Cervical
Spine - Lumbar
Spine - Thoracic
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

My father had a joint fusion of this big toe last month. It needed to be done because of arthritis. The nurses made him get up out of bed right away, despite the fact that he just had surgery. What is the rush?

Fusing the joint of the big toe is often done if the damage in the joint is causing a lot of pain and discomfort to the patient. The surgery involves adding pins, screws, wires, and/or plates to stabilize the joint. When to get a patient up out of bed, after surgery, and bearing weight is always a bit controversial because doctors try to find the right combination of the type of surgery and when weight-bearing should start. Early ambulation after surgery has many advantages. Patients who stay in bed after surgery are at higher risk of some complications, such as blood clots and pneumonia. So it is usually in their best interest to move about as early as possible. In the case of foot surgery, this can be tricky, but surgeons have found that after certain types of fusions, if patients are wearing specially fitted shoes, they often can begin weight bearing almost immediately after surgery. This helps the patient resume his or her normal activities while the foot is healing.

References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.