ABFAS Postoperative Care and Wound Management 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary goal of postoperative wound care following foot and ankle surgery?
- Minimize antibiotic use
- Prevent infection and promote healing (Correct answer)
- Reduce patient mobility
- Avoid patient follow-up visits
Correct answer: Prevent infection and promote healing
The primary goal of postoperative wound care is to prevent infection and promote optimal wound healing to ensure a successful surgical outcome.
Question 2: Which dressing type is most appropriate for maintaining a moist wound environment to promote healing after foot and ankle surgery?
- Dry gauze dressing
- Hydrocolloid dressing (Correct answer)
- Dry absorbent pad
- Dry cotton wool
Correct answer: Hydrocolloid dressing
Hydrocolloid dressings maintain a moist wound environment, which accelerates epithelialization and promotes faster healing compared to dry dressings.
Question 3: How long should a patient typically remain non-weight bearing after a first metatarsal osteotomy?
- 1–2 days
- 3–5 days
- 4–6 weeks (Correct answer)
- 6 months
Correct answer: 4–6 weeks
After first metatarsal osteotomy, 4–6 weeks of non-weight bearing is typically required to allow adequate bone healing and prevent hardware failure.
Question 4: What is the most common early complication following foot and ankle surgery?
- Avascular necrosis
- Surgical site infection (Correct answer)
- Pseudarthrosis
- Compartment syndrome
Correct answer: Surgical site infection
Surgical site infection is the most common early postoperative complication in foot and ankle surgery and requires prompt recognition and treatment.
Question 5: Which clinical finding suggests possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a postoperative foot and ankle patient?
- Localized wound erythema only
- Calf pain, swelling, and pain with passive dorsiflexion (Correct answer)
- Decreased ankle range of motion
- Wound dehiscence with serous drainage
Correct answer: Calf pain, swelling, and pain with passive dorsiflexion
Calf pain, swelling, and pain with passive dorsiflexion (Homan's sign) are classic indicators of potential DVT and require urgent further evaluation.
Question 6: What is the recommended limb position postoperatively to most effectively reduce foot and ankle edema?
- Level with the heart
- Below the level of the heart in dependent position
- Above the level of the heart (Correct answer)
- No position change is necessary
Correct answer: Above the level of the heart
Elevating the foot above heart level uses gravity to facilitate venous and lymphatic drainage, reducing postoperative edema.
Question 7: When should sutures typically be removed after foot and ankle surgery in a non-diabetic patient?
- 3–5 days
- 7–10 days
- 14–21 days (Correct answer)
- 28–35 days
Correct answer: 14–21 days
Foot and ankle sutures are generally removed at 14–21 days because the lower extremity has reduced blood supply and a slower healing rate than other body regions.
ABFAS Postoperative Care and Wound Management 1
What is the primary goal of postoperative wound care following foot and ankle surgery?