Foot/Ankle Fracture Management in Kansas City

Based on the results of your interview, examination, and imaging studies, you can expect a custom care plan catered specifically to you.

Many people believe it’s best to wait until pain becomes severe, leading them to “put off” or delay treatments like foot/ankle fracture repair.

If you are in constant discomfort, have shooting or stabbing pains, have limited range of motion, or an inability to perform your daily activities, fracture management treatments may be right for you.

New technologies allow patients with severe foot and ankle pain to fully recover and enjoy the benefits of a more functional, pain-free lifestyle.

Prior to surgery, you will typically receive at least 2 phone calls:

• A hospital registration representative will call to gather insurance and other personal information.
• A registered nurse will call to review your health history and medication information.

Dependent on your health history, your physician may require:

• Pre-surgical laboratory tests
• X-rays
• Primary care clearance

Pre-operative instructions will vary depending on your physician and the location of your surgery.

Always check with your physician before surgery for specific instructions.

Most physicians require that patients not eat or drink after midnight prior to surgery.

Additionally, you will need to designate a family member or friend to drive you home on the day you are released from the hospital. Surgical patients cannot drive themselves home.

If you schedule your surgery with a KCOA physician, you can expect the following on surgery day: 

• A receptionist will check you in at the hospital registration desk.
• A nurse will take you back and prepare you for surgery. They will start an IV, prepare the surgical site, and review your medical history and medications.
• Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will visit with you prior to your operation.
• The surgical team will take you to the operation suite for surgery.

If non-invasive and conservative treatments aren’t enough to alleviate symptoms or restore function, surgical treatment for your foot or ankle fracture may be necessary. For surgery to repair a fracture, your surgeon will focus on aligning the fractured bone fragments.

This may involve repairing them with plates, screws, surgical nails or special “fixators” to keep things stable and in place while healing occurs.

We typically use arthroscopy to make a diagnosis when X-rays and other imaging tools do not provide answers.

During an ankle or foot fracture surgery, you will remain under general anesthesia. In the case of ankle fracture surgery, our surgeons will likely use the technique of open reduction and internal fixation. This involves making an incision over the ankle to see the fractured bones.

Your surgeon will then place the pieces of broken bone together and hold them in the proper position using metal plates, screws, fixators or even a special type of cement. Stabilizing the area of fracture is a key to a successful outcome and return to function.

After your surgery, you will remain in the recovery room before being discharged. Our experienced clinical team will monitor you during this recovery and provide pain relief medication, if needed.

Your ankle and foot will likely be placed in a boot or cast to ensure that it is stable following surgery.

You should expect some swelling and possible pain in your foot or ankle for a number of days following surgery.

Because of this, it’s important to maintain elevation of your foot and ankle and use an ice pack after surgery.

Typically following a fracture repair you will be immobilized for a period of time and likely be instructed to not put significant weight through your foot, while the fracture is healing. You’ll gradually be able to put more weight through the leg, as directed by your providers.

The recovery timeline for fractures is based on each individual patient, the surgery that was performed and the activities you’re returning too. It’s safe to estimate at least 10-12 weeks will be necessary before your foot or ankle may feel normal.

During this recovery period, physical therapy may be ordered so that a trained expert can provide you exercises, stretches, guidance and even some motivation, as you progress towards feeling normal.

Additionally, it’s recommended that patients exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet to help aid the recovery process. This helps to alleviate stress to the joint and allows for quicker healing.