Limb Lengthening & Deformity Service

      Post-Operative Instructions: Removal External Fixator

      1. Protection

        2. Your bone has just lost the support of your external frame, and now it is vulnerable. You must “take a step back” and limit your weight bearing to 50% of body weight. Use the crutches at all times. This protective period lasts typically 2 weeks.

          Most of you will be in a cast or a hinged brace when you awake.

        • Cast: Keep your cast dry. Use a showering bag to cover the cast. Use the cast shoe for walking. Do not attempt to remove the cast. Call if you have increasing pain in the cast.
        • Brace: Remove the brace after 2 days. Thereafter use the brace for ALL Weight Bearing Activities. You do not have to sleep with the brace. Practice gentle range of motion exercises when out of the brace. You may remove your dressing in 2 days. At that time you may shower and wet the wounds. Do not soak the wounds under water. No baths, no pools, no lakes, no ocean.  Use Band-Aides if needed to cover any draining wounds. Wounds should not drain for more than 3 days.
      1. Rehabilitation

        2. Continue to be active and maintain some independence. Do not push yourself too hard, and do not lie in bed all day. If you have a brace then remove it for gentle joint motion exercises. Formal physical therapy will start after your post operative office visit.

      1. Follow Up

        2. Call to schedule a follow up appointment in the office 10-14 days after surgery. At that time your cast will be removed and a new one applied, or your brace will be removed. Typically you will be allowed to progress to full weight bearing after this visit.

      1. Urgent Matters

        2. Please contact us if you experience an increase in pain or if you have a fever, wound redness, swelling, or persistent discharge.

      S. Robert Rozbruch, M.D. (212) 606-1415
      Svetlana Ilizarov, M.D. (212) 606-1415
      Austin T. Fragomen, M.D. (212) 606-1550

       

      download this form (word document)

       

      Limb Lengthening & Deformity Service

      External Fixator Removal
      Discharge Instructions

      The following guidelines will help you have a speedy recovery. Following the surgery, your limb will be covered with a dressing and protected with a cast or brace.

      DIET: You may resume your regular diet as tolerated. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

      MEDICATIONS: Your physician has prescribed the following medications:

      INSTRUCTIONS:

      ACTIVITIES: The length of time for your anesthesia to wear off will vary. Your anesthesiologist will estimate this time.

      Your bone has just lost the support of your external frame, and now it is vulnerable. You must “take a step back” and limit your weight bearing to 50% of body weight. Use the crutches at all times. This protective period lasts typically 2 weeks.

      You will be in a cast or a hinged brace when you awake.

      _____Cast: Keep your cast dry. Use a showering bag to cover the cast. Use the cast shoe for walking. Do not attempt to remove the cast. Call if you have increasing pain in the cast.

      _____Brace: Remove the brace after 2 days. Thereafter use it for ALL Weight Bearing Activities. You do not have to sleep with the brace. Practice gentle range of motion exercises when out of the brace. You may remove your dressing in 2 days. At that time you may shower and wet the wounds. Do not soak the wounds under water. No baths, no pools, no lakes, no ocean. Use Band-Aides if needed to cover any draining wounds. Wounds should not drain for more than 3 days.

      LIMITATIONS: Avoid excessive activity with the operated limb.
      Do not drive a car or operate heavy machinery until cleared to do so by your physician.

      WARNINGS: Contact your physician if you have any of these symptoms:

      1. Bleeding through the dressing.
      2. If you are excessively dizzy and have difficulty standing.
      3. Excessive vomiting.
      4. Numbness or tingling that does not resolve within 24 hours.
      5. Fever or chills.
      6. Change in color or temperature of your skin.
      7. Severe pain

      If you are unable to reach your physician and the symptoms persist, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

      Call your physician for your follow up visit. If you have any other questions, contact the Ambulatory Surgery Center from 8:00AM-5:00PM Monday thru Friday at

      Please adhere to any specific instructions your physician may give you regarding your recovery and rehabilitation.

      WORK OR SCHOOL: YOU MAY RETURN AFTER ___________ DAYS

      OTHER INSTRUCTIONS:

      I hereby accept, understand and can verbalize these instructions.

      Signature of Patient or Significant Other_______________________ Relationship___________
      Date _______ M.D. Signature_______________R.N. Signature_________________

       

      download this form (word document)

external fixation, discharge instructions