If you have a temperature or cold and flu symptoms, there may be an anaesthetic risk in proceeding with surgery. Please contact our clinical team to discuss.

An existing wound could pose an infection risk. Please contact our clinical team to discuss. Photos of the wound may be required.

It is important that your surgeon is aware of your travel plans. Prolonged sitting without elevating the affected leg/foot increases the likelihood of developing a deep vein thrombosis and/or poor healing of your surgical wound. This includes prolonged sitting in a car, not just flights.

For most surgeries, patients will go home the day of surgery or the following morning. Joint replacement patients are usually able to go home 2-3 days after surgery. Factors that determine early discharge are patient physiology after surgery (status of blood pressure, blood transfusion requirements, fluid balance, etc) and also the presence of a carer at home.

Ensure you take your surgeon’s advice about wearing your brace or moonboot (if applicable) and about weightbearing through the leg/foot. For all surgeries it is important to:

• Take the recommended pain relief before pain sets in.
• Regular rest with elevation of the limb to control swelling.
• Regular application of ice packs to the site while resting.

This depends on the type of operation undertaken and patient confidence. Our clinical team will guide you through this. In general, most patients go home with 2 crutches and gradually progress to 1 crutch before discarding it. This may take anywhere from 1-3 weeks.

This will depend on the type of surgery you have had and on which leg/foot. Usually, your surgeon will give you an indication of timeframes to return to driving during your initial consultation and at your follow-up consultations. It is important that you do not drive before your surgeon gives you clearance as this may compromise your insurance in the event of an accident.

This depends on the type of surgery undertaken. Generally, inpatient physiotherapy will be given for joint replacement surgery. If outpatient physiotherapy is needed, you will be provided with a referral prior to discharge or at your post-operative appointment.

This will depend on the nature, type and complexity of surgery, patient motivation, and the type of work involved. Your surgeon may suggest initially returning to “light” duties such as seated work before returning to heavier tasks or work involving prolonged walking or standing. Your surgeon will provide guidance regarding your return to work during your post-operative appointments.

This will depend on the nature of the surgical procedure, complexity, and the type of joint and patient physiology and motivation. Generally, it is advisable to allow at least 6 weeks post-surgery before returning to sport and exercise. Our clinical team will guide you through your return to physical activity.