Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
What is a Pre-Tibial Laceration?
- The wound over the shin bone (tibia) is called a pretibial laceration. It is not like a simple cut and will take several weeks or months to heal
- Due to certain medical conditions, prescribed medicines and age, this can severely lengthen the healing process
- In most case, but not all, a silicon mesh is used to close the wound instead of sutures or paper-strips. This is due to the thing and delicate skin in this area.
- The first layer of dressing should stay in place for 14 days and only the top layer of dressing will be changed. This ensures that the laceration has the minimal, disturbance to promote healing.
What You Should Do
- Keep the dressing on until your next appointment
- Contact your GP surgery for a wound review appointment if not given hospital follow-up
- Keep the dressing dry
- Walk around as normal
- It is important to keep your foot elevated on a pillow on top of a foot stool when sitting and whilst in bed (NB careful consideration if you’ve had a hip replacement)
- Stretch and curl your toes for a few minutes every hour which aids circulation
- Take painkillers such as Paracetamol if required and if safe to take with existing medication; please discuss this with your GP or a pharmacist if unsure
- Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet and avoid smoking
You Should Not
- Get your bandages wet
- Remove the dressing
- Stand still for too long, so avoid jobs like ironing and washing-up in the early days until your laceration is much better.
Seek Medical Advice
- If the bleeding has come through the bandages and is larger than the size of a satsuma
- If you feel pain in your calf (back of the lower leg) and your toes become swollen
- If you are developing pain and heat from your wound area and you notice an offensive smell.
For non-urgent medical advice: please call 111 or visit https:/
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Emergency department (ED) service.
About this information
Service:
Emergency department (ED)
Reference:
A/030
Approval date:
1 November 2024
Review date:
1 November 2027
Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page
Then click ‘select language’
Alternative formats
You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to:
-
Change the text size
-
Adjust the font
-
Modify the colour contrast
-
Use the translate function
If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff.
You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.
Staff will print a copy for you on request
Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.