After The Operation

The frame care routine used at our centre is as follows; 

-The frame can be washed in the shower once per week with your leg 

-The frame is then left to dry and dressings re-applied

- Dressings will be given to you in the frame clinic 

- Pin site care is performed using boiled water and gauze 

- Do not remove crusts between the pins and your skin

- Do not apply ointments or creams to the pins sites 

- If redness and pain around the pin site increases and the dressings are wet then contact your specialist nurse as soon as possible

- Your specialist nurse will show you how to care for the frame and what to look out for if things aren’t quite right

The frame clinic is routinely attended once every 6 weeks for an X-ray and then to see a member of the surgical team. You may also be seen by the specialist nurse who will discuss the frame care, dressings and pin sites. If you are brought into the clinic in between these dates you may not have an X-ray as changes are difficult to see when less than 6 weeks apart. 

When your fracture heals or limb correction has finished then your frame can be removed under gas and air in the clinic, a local anaesthetic block or under a general anaesthetic. Gas and air allows an immediate removal and most patietns choose this method as they can leave without the frame on.

Please reach out and contact the clinic if you have concerns about your frame. We have a number which we will give to you whilst your frame is on that you can call if you are worried about anything. Please ring the clinic before attending the accident and emergency department and we will advise you on the best place for you to attend.