Method

Starting February 2008 we chose to enrol 50 consecutive patients undergoing Total Ankle Arthroplasty in this study. All patients were assesed and treated by a single Anesthesiologist and Orthopedic surgeon. All patients received preoperative dosing of Celebrex, Oxycontin and Gabapentin. Anesthesia consisted of a popliteal regional block and a spinal anesthetic. Patients were discharged home when they were stable with adequate pain control and able to ambulate with crutches or a walker. All patients were contacted by telephone by the treating Anesthesiologist to assess for pain control, complications and satisfaction on the night of surgery and for the next two days. Patients were also given contact numbers to call the Anesthesiologist for any concerns outside of these times. All patients were assessed by the treating Orthopedic surgeon at two and six weeks post surgery with data collected regarding wound complications, infection, deep venous thrombosis and overall patient satisfaction.