Before your operation
It is important to understand what to expect at your operation and what you need to do beforehand to ensure that you are prepared when the time comes. Exactly what preparations you will need to undertake or what appointments you need to attend will obviously depend on the nature of your surgery. For example, requirements for day-case or local anaesthetic arthroscopy patients will be different to those for ankle replacement operations under general anaesthetic, where a stay in hospital of several days will be required. The guidance provided here is only general in nature and you should always seek detailed advice for your own specific circumstances from a qualified medical practitioner.
You will initially be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon who will assess you and discuss whether surgery – and what type – would be an appropriate treatment for you. Once your operation is scheduled, you will probably be asked to attend the hospital for a preoperative assessment some weeks before the date of your operation.
You may be referred to a physiotherapist who will want to collate information to establish a baseline of information including the location and severity of your pain, your functional abilities, your strength and the available motion of each ankle. They will also provide you with details of useful exercises. These will not only help you to prepare for surgery, but also for the immediate postoperative period.
Important: The information and guidance provided here is general in nature and should not be considered as medical advice in any way. You should always seek detailed advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
