Abstract
Background: Patients undergoing surgery on the foot and ankle who require immobilization are typically placed in splints or soft compression dressings after surgery to avoid complications associated with swelling. As swelling subsides, this temporary immobilization is removed and replaced with a short-leg cast, making an additional office visit necessary, which adds to the cost as well as patient discomfort. Methods: We apply a cast in the operating room using a special padding technique to accommodate postoperative swelling. It is supportive enough that it does not need to be replaced shortly after surgery. This cast was applied to 38 patients having surgery on the hindfoot or ankle between March, 2003, and February, 2004. Results: All patients tolerated the cast during the initial 2 weeks after surgery, and there were no complications. Conclusion: The purpose of this study was to describe the casting technique and document its safety for use immediately after surgery on the hindfoot and ankle.
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