Ilizarov joint distraction

After the operation
The first 24 hours
Pain Relief
Nerve blocks will not be used with this technique. We prefer that the nerves are functioning normally so that they respond if a fine wire is placed close to them, allowing us to reposition the wire if it passes too close to a nerve.
A PCA will be set up for use post operatively.

Physiotherapy
The frame is a weight bearing construct and you generally may weight bear as able. You will initially require crutches and will be taught how to use these.

Length of stay
The usual post operative stay is one to two days.
DVT Prophylaxis
150 mgs of aspirin for six weeks.

Pin site care/Wound care
The arthroscopy portals need to be left undisturbed and dry for two weeks. They will be covered in adhesive dressings . You will be advised on a regular protocol for cleansing your pin sites with alcoholic antibacterial solution and redressing them.

At two weeks
An outpatient review is required to check the state of the soft tissues and to remove the sutures.

At three months
The frame is now ready for removal. This requires a short general anaesthetic as a day case procedure.