10/08/2021
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES)
From: Keith L. Gurnick, DPM
It may be that Dr. Paul Greenberg was misquoted, because making generalized statements about the after-effects of toenail avulsions and toenail matrixectomies such as, “It doesn't require any bed rest, and patients can usually do whatever activity they want by the day after the procedure” is inappropriate and not honest for many of our patients. Each patient should have specific after surgery orders and instructions and necessary restrictions or modifications depending on their specific needs and requirements.
Our patients need to be informed in advance that there are potential risks and complications, and also that there is expected disability and recovery time after toenail avulsions and matrixectomies, just like all the other procedures and surgeries that we perform. Even simple and routine procedures can inflict short-term pain and require some time for healing. In some patients, the necessary post-operative recovery does include rest, activity, and shoe modification and could also require time off work or time away from participation in sports activities as well. It just depends on the individual needs and issues of each patient.
Understating the potential post-operative effects of toenail surgery will set you up for an unhappy patient and the possibility of delayed healing, infections, and further disability. We owe it to our patients to be honest with them, and the same should be true when participating in radio or magazine or media interviews and on our websites as well.
Keith L. Gurnick, DPM, Los Angeles, CA
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (NEWS STORIES)
From: Keith L. Gurnick, DPM
It may be that Dr. Paul Greenberg was misquoted, because making generalized statements about the after-effects of toenail avulsions and toenail matrixectomies such as, “It doesn't require any bed rest, and patients can usually do whatever activity they want by the day after the procedure” is inappropriate and not honest for many of our patients. Each patient should have specific after surgery orders and instructions and necessary restrictions or modifications depending on their specific needs and requirements.
Our patients need to be informed in advance that there are potential risks and complications, and also that there is expected disability and recovery time after toenail avulsions and matrixectomies, just like all the other procedures and surgeries that we perform. Even simple and routine procedures can inflict short-term pain and require some time for healing. In some patients, the necessary post-operative recovery does include rest, activity, and shoe modification and could also require time off work or time away from participation in sports activities as well. It just depends on the individual needs and issues of each patient.
Understating the potential post-operative effects of toenail surgery will set you up for an unhappy patient and the possibility of delayed healing, infections, and further disability. We owe it to our patients to be honest with them, and the same should be true when participating in radio or magazine or media interviews and on our websites as well.
Keith L. Gurnick, DPM, Los Angeles, CA