Splint Care - First Two Weeks
Important care instructions for the initial recovery period
Critical Care Instructions
- You will be in a splint for the first two weeks after surgery.
- Bleeding through the dressing is normal. Expect some reddish staining of the splint near the surgical site.
- Reinforce the splint with ACE wrap as needed.
- No weight may be put on the leg during the first two weeks. You may use crutches and the other leg to get around.
Note: Proper splint care is crucial for optimal healing and preventing complications.
Essential Care Measures
- Elevate the leg on 2-3 pillows as much as possible.
- Ice helps with swelling and pain.
- Protect the dressing from getting wet
- Swelling may persist for at least a year in some way.
Post-Operative Visit Schedule
Timeline for follow-up appointments and cast/boot changes
1
First Post-Op Visit (Week 2)
On the first post-op visit, we will remove the splint and take out the stitches.
Important: You will be put into a walking cast at two weeks. You may walk as much as you like at this point.
2
Second Visit (Week 4)
At the second visit (around 4 weeks after surgery), the cast will be removed and we will give you a boot to walk in as much as possible. We will also order a brace for you so that you may sleep in the brace and drive; 6 weeks after your surgery
Physical Therapy Timeline
Progressive rehabilitation and strengthening program
Therapy Progression
- Therapy will start at this point, 4-6 weeks after surgery.
- Therapy will be very gentle for the first two weeks (4-6 weeks to 6-8 weeks after surgery). At the 6th or 8th week after surgery, the therapy will become harder and you will do more activity.
- During therapy, as you get stronger, you will go from the boot to a brace for walking.
Recovery Tip: Gradual progression is key to successful rehabilitation. Follow your therapist's guidance carefully.