Foot and Ankle Surgery on Pregnant Patients

Pregnancy results in major changes in a woman's body, including physiologic changes in the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urinary, and musculoskeletal system. In the musculoskeletal system, these changes include increased lordosis, increased joint laxity, postural changes, gait changes, and metabolic bone health disorders. Despite the link between pregnancy and musculoskeletal disorders, very little is written on the orthopedic management of pregnant patients. In this article, we will provide information on the physiologic changes of pregnancy, special orthopedic considerations in pregnant patients, and advice for the surgical management of these patients.