Cath Lab Digest

   Upon closure, I dressed the surgical site with betadine, an Adaptic 4x4 dressing, Kling and Coban. I placed the hallux in a slightly dorsiflexed position and in slight abduction. I discharged the patient home with an Equalizer Pneumatic Short Leg walking boot (Ossur).

How The Patient Fared Postoperatively

I saw the patient three days after surgery and he experienced no complications. Pain was minimal and the patient actually stated that the pain from the surgery was easier than living with the pain from the joint. At two weeks, I removed the sutures and allowed the patient basic walking exercise. At six weeks, he had full clearance to begin impact, elliptical and treadmill jogging.

   At three months, I fully discharged the patient. His final range of motion was at 55 degrees dorsiflexion with impact running on the pavement.

   Dr. Lullove is in private practice in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Fla. He is a staff physician at West Boca Medical Center in Boca Raton. Dr. Lullove is a Fellow of the American College of Certified Wound Specialists.