CALF IMPLANTS

INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING SURGERY

IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY
1. a. Rest quietly in bed with the legs elevated on two pillows from the knees down for the first 48 hours.

b. Usually your legs will be taped firmly for 2-3 days following surgery, from the knees to the ankles.

c. The nurse will need to remove this in a few days, clean the sutures behind the knee and place a firm elastic bandage for a further 4 weeks. You will be instructed how to place this on by yourself daily after a shower.

d. Too much activity in the immediate post-operative period will result in excessive swelling and bleeding.

e. Apply an ice pack to the legs for 48 hours minimum.

f. We suggest that you ambulate in high heels to reduce the strain on the calf muscles or on “tippy toes”.

g. It may be helpful to have crutches - A broom with a towel wrapped around it would be great.

h. You may have an area of numbness on your foot. This is usually transient, very rarely permanent.

PAIN
2. a. For pain, take Panadeine Forte 1-2 tablets every 3-4 hours (not more than 8 per day).

b. Do not make any legal decisions while under the influence of medications.

c. No drinking of alcohol, driving or operating machinery, while on medications or on the first day after surgery.

WOUND CARE
3. a. Shower after 2-3 days when the nurse has removed the bandages and instructed you how to clean the wound behind your knee.

SUTURE LINES
4. a. Suture lines must be cleaned with 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (if the solution stings, it can be diluted with normal saline 0.9% - half and half).

b. Then apply antibiotic ointment using a cottonbud.

c. Cover the suture lines with steri-strips and then bandage firmly. d. Sutures are usually removed 7-10 days after surgery.

SWELLING AND BRUISING
5. a. Expect to have swelling and bruising 2-3 weeks post-operatively.

b. It may even feel tight.

c. It takes 6-8 weeks before feeling normal again. Avoid excessive exercise and movement of the legs for six weeks, e.g. running, dancing, gym work.

d. Ice packs will help reduce the swelling and bruising.

EXERCISE
6. a. Light walking for half an hour is permitted twice a day and gradually increase this - remember to wear heels or walk on “tippy toes”.

b. Avoid any trauma as implants can be displaced by direct strong impact.

c. Avoid driving for 2 weeks
.

YOU CAN EXPECT
* Moderate discomfort - take painkillers as prescribed.
* Moderate swelling, bruising and tightness which will subside 2-3 weeks.
* The possibility of seroma - i.e. swelling around the implant.

CALL IF YOU HAVE
* Severe pain not responding to painkillers and ice.
* Profuse swelling or any sudden swelling.
* Bright red bleeding.
* Gradual swelling.

To purchase prior to surgery for dressings:

Note: You can purchase a post-operative pack at the rooms.

• Normal Saline 0.9% - 100 ml
• Cotton buds.
• Steri-strips - wide.
• Airstrips (medium size)

Please call the office for a follow-up visit and routine questions.

For Emergencies ONLY call 016 288 699

20 Manning Road, Double Bay N.S.W. Sydney, Australia Tel: Intl. + (61 2)93287044 Fax: Intl. + (61 2)93286036