Preoperative Considerations, Surgical Planning, and Postoperative Protocols

Surgery on the foot and ankle has tremendous potential benefits. However, there are great risks as well. As with any risk-benefit situation, the risks should be minimized where possible. In the elective foot and ankle practice, there are a few risks that need a little more attention because of the uniqueness of surgery on the most distal and the most gravity-dependent portion of the body. This chapter will begin with a highlight of several optimization factors to consider in minimizing the complications of foot and ankle surgery.