The operation itself takes between two and five hours, with a blood loss ranging from 100 to 2,000 cc's. A blood transfusion may be necessary but only as a last resort after using the cell saver. The cell saver collects lost blood, washes the blood cells and returns them to the patient's circulation. During surgery, drains will be placed in the surgical site, which will be removed two to three days post-operatively. The dressing covering the incision will be checked on a regular basis and changed or removed two to three days after surgery. Patients wear compression boots and anti-embolus stockings to prevent blood clots from forming in the large veins or veins traveling to the lungs.

After several months, the solidly healed bone will once again support normal function. The cartilage will also heal, filling in the now reduced fracture lines. And though the metal plates and screws implanted during surgery will become superfluous, they are also harmless. Typically, they will be left in place to avoid unnecessary surgical removal.

Surgical wound infection and injury to nerves are the most common significant complications. The chance of either one is about three percent. Another rare complication is injury to a major blood vessel or other internal organ.

If an infection develops, the surgical wound is cleaned in the operating room and an antibiotic is given intravenously. In most cases, infections have little effect on function other than prolonging hospitalization and recovery. Some infections can impair function by damaging the joint cartilage.

Pressure on nerves during surgery can cause impaired nerve function. Gaining access to the bone during surgery requires the surgeon to pull nerves gently aside. A foot drop is the most common problem though usually resolves within months after the surgery.