IDAHO ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY
POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR LOWER EXTREMITY FRACTURES
DRESSINGS: A dressing and splint have been applied following your surgery. Keep this on until
your post-op visit with us. Do not be alarmed if your dressing becomes moist or bloodstained.
However, if the area continues to bleed or becomes soaked with blood, you should call our office. Do
not get your dressing wet.
PAIN: You will be given a prescription for pain medication before you leave the hospital. Do not
drive or drink alcohol while taking pain medications. Please follow the directions on the label of
your pain medication and DO NOT take more than is indicated. Please inform our office if you have
any allergic reaction to your pain medication. Swelling increases pain so elevate your leg above your
heart as much as possible. Ice the area on and off for the first few days following surgery or until the
swelling has decreased.
ACTIVITY: Try to rest the first few days following surgery. If you try to do too much and have
your leg in a down position then your leg/ankle will swell and increase your pain. Do not bear
weight on the affected extremity until told to do so by Dr. Liljenquist.
DIET: Begin with light meals and progress your diet as tolerated. Carbohydrates will generally
have a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting. If you are taking pain medications, increase your
water intake as pain medications cause constipation.
PRECAUTIONS: If you develop a fever of 101 F or develop a rash, blisters, itching, hives or
shortness of breath, please contact our office. If your dressing becomes too tight due to swelling,
elevate and ice the area immediately. If this does not alleviate your symptoms or if you have any
problems or questions, do not hesitate to call our office. If you need to call after hours or on the
weekend, just follow the prompts when you call our office and Diane will get your call.
RETURN APPOINTMENT: A post-op appointment is typically arranged for you while at the
hospital. If they did not give you an appointment time, please call our office for an appointment
time. Post-op appointments are typically 2 weeks following surgery.
PLEASE CALL DR. LILJENQUIST’S OFFICE AT 522-3355 WITH ANY QUESTIONS