[Emergency department visits after foot and ankle surgeries]

Foot and ankle surgeries treat a range of conditions, from traumatic injuries to chronic deformities. Despite optimized procedures to minimize risks, postoperative complications can lead to emergency department consultations. This article explores the reasons for these consultations and suggests strategies to reduce them, improving patient care and cutting healthcare costs. Unplanned consultations, often within the first 30 days post-surgery, may indicate severe complications or gaps in postoperative management, like pain control. A proactive approach, focusing on patient education, pain management, regular follow-ups, and coordinated care, can significantly reduce these consultations.