If You need Foot or Ankle Surgery

• Questions about the surgical procedure?
• After the surgery, what do I need to know?
• Will my activities be limited?

Questions about the surgical procedure?

• What is this procedure being recommended?
• Are there alternatives?
• What are the benefits of this procedure in terms of pain relief, functioning/mobility?
• How long will the benefit last?
• What are the risks involved?
• Are there any written materials or videotapes about this surgery that I can review?
• What is the success rate for this procedure?
• What is the procedure called?
• How is it done?
• Will the surgery need to be repeated after a certain amount of time?
• How many of these procedures are annually performed at this hospital?
• What percentage of patients improve following the procedure?
• What will happen if I don’t have the surgery now?
• If I want a second opinion, whom can I consult?
• Will you perform the operation or someone else?
• If someone else, when can I meet him or her?
• How many similar procedures have been done by you or the recommended doctor?
• What are the outcomes and will I need any test or medical evaluations prior to the surgery?
• What kind of anesthesia will be used?
• Will I meet with the anesthesiologist in advance?
• Will he or she know my needs/allergies?
• Will I have pain following the procedure?
• What pain relief or pain control measures will I be given?

After the surgery, what do I need to know?

• How long will the recovery take?
• What are my limitations during recovery?
• Will I need assistance at home afterwards? For how long?
• What will discharge instructions be?
• Will I have any disability following surgery?
• Will I need physical therapy?

Will my activities be limited?

• When can I return to work?
• When can I drive my car?
• When can I have sexual activity?