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Chapter 6
Postoperative Care
6
chapt
er
Postoperative
Care
Postoperatively, the frame should be checked routinely to ensure that no frame
components have loosened. Any loosened components should be retightened.
If a wire has loosened or become unattached from the frame, it should be
retensioned, reattached (if necessary), and fixation components should be
tightened.
In the event of wire breakage, the broken wire should be removed. A new wire
should be placed if needed to restore construct stability.
The boot liner can be replaced if necessary, as the surgeon sees fit. Replacement
rocker-bottom soles and foot pads are also available if needed.
The surgeon must educate the patients on wire care and be diligent in watching
for any signs of pin irritation. Wire site care is per surgeon preference. Aggressive
wire site management, appropriate use of oral antibiotics, and a relatively low
threshold to remove a problematic wire should be considered to minimize the
risk of serious complication and ensure the desired outcome.