David W. Boone, MD

Dr. David Boone joined Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic in 1994 following the completion of fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin that same year. He was the first fellowship trained orthopaedic surgeon in foot and ankle surgery in Wake County.

Dr. Boone’s practice focuses on athletic injuries, reconstructive procedures, and fractures of the foot and ankle. In addition to being board certified in orthopaedic surgery, he holds subspecialty certification in orthopaedic sports medicine. Dr. Boone serves as one of the team physicians for North Carolina State University. He was also the team physician for Sanderson High School from 1994 to 2019.

After graduating from Sanderson High School in 1979, he went to Davidson College, where he graduated magna cum laude and was selected to join Phi Beta Kappa. Following graduation from Davidson, he attended UNC-Chapel Hill for medical school and then completed his orthopaedic residency at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Dr. Boone has presented research and instructional lectures at state and national meetings and he is published in the orthopaedic literature. During his orthopaedic career in Raleigh, Dr Boone has served as chairman of the orthopaedic departments at both WakeMed and Rex Hospital, and from 2006-2007, he served as president of the North Carolina Orthopaedic Association. Dr. Boone has served in multiple leadership positions at UNC Rex Hospital including the roles of president and vice president of the medical staff in addition to serving on numerous committees at UNC Rex Hospital.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Boone, please call 919-781-5600.

Medical School
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Internship
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Residency
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Fellowship
Medical College of Wisconsin (Foot & Ankle)

Board Certification
Board Certified, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
Subspecialty Certification in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, ABOS

Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic: Raleigh Office

3001 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27612

Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic: Garner Office

1325 Timber Drive East, Garner, NC 27529, USA

Medical Assistant — Lynne
(919) 781-5600 Ext. 5633

Administrative Assistant — Karen
Office: 919-863-6858
Fax: 919-863-6821
Email: kchavez@raleighortho.com

Surgery Coordinator — Sarah
(919) 863-6938

Test Coordinator — Pat
(919) 863-6924

Team Physician

Carolina Ballet
North Carolina State University
Sanderson High School

Advanced Practice Provider(s)

Tiffany Stephens, PA-C

Preparing for Surgery

Dr. Boone performs surgery on Wednesdays and Fridays. His Surgery Scheduler will call to schedule your surgery. If you have not heard from her within a week, please call her at (919) 863-6936. If you are a Worker’s Compensation patient, you will be contacted once your Insurance Adjuster has signed off on the surgery.

A History & Physical (H&P) exam will be scheduled within 30 days of surgery. Occasionally, depending on your medical condition, a preoperative appointment with the hospital may also need to be made.

After your surgery has been scheduled you will receive a surgical packet containing information (specific dates, times, and location of your surgery) as well as information on the surgical facility and a patient registration form if your surgery is scheduled at Rex Health Care. Please make sure that your phone number and address are current in our system.

Dr. Boone performs surgery at Rex Hospital and Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center.

History & Physical Exam

Either Dr. Boone or his physician’s assistant will perform the history and physical (H&P).
Depending on your medical history, Dr. Boone may ask that your Primary Care Provider (PCP) evaluate you prior to the surgery.
It is important that we know all the medications that you are taking. If possible, please bring all your medications or a complete list with you to your H&P appointment.
Dr. Boone will give you instructions on your medications at your H&P.
After your H&P, please make sure you have your follow up appointment scheduled and have your pain medicine prescription before you leave the office. Post-operative appointments are made 10-14 days after surgery. You may also be given an antibiotic to be taken AFTER surgery.
Blood clots are unusual events following surgery, but steps need to be taken to diminish this risk, so Dr Boone will discuss plans for anticoagulation with you at the time of your H&P.
Please feel free to ask questions during your history and physical. It is important that you understand your preoperative and post-operative instructions.

Your Surgery

If your surgery is scheduled before 1 PM, please refrain from eating or drinking anything after midnight. If your surgery is scheduled after 1 PM, Dr. Boone will instruct you on food & beverage intake.

If you are on blood pressure medication, please continue to take your medication with a sip of water the morning of surgery, regardless of when surgery is scheduled.

If you are diabetic, Dr. Boone will discuss the timing of your diabetic medication with respect to the surgery.

Please show up 2 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time or as instructed by Dr. Boone and his staff.

Occasionally, surgery times may need to be changed on your date of surgery. Please make sure that Dr. Boone’s nurse, surgery scheduler, and the facility where you are having your surgery have the best number that you can be reached on that day.

Day of Surgery

For outpatient surgery, you will not be able to drive yourself home. Please make sure someone is with you to drive you home and stays with you the first night.

If your relative or friend has to leave the hospital during your surgery, please make sure Dr. Boone and/or the hospital has their contact number in case they need to be reached. You will be given instructions on how to manage the surgical site after your surgery.

After Surgery

Complications are unusual following surgery. It is important that you communicate with Dr. Boone & his team if you experience any problems.

Complications

Blood clots are unusual after surgery. Dr. Boone will discuss any anti-coagulation plan(blood thinning medication) with you preoperatively.

If you notice increased pain, burning, numbness, or tingling after surgery, call Dr. Boone’s Clinical Assistant at (919)781-5600 so that you can be evaluated and your symptoms can be controlled to avoid any complications.

If you notice any abnormal increase in swelling , discoloration such as increase redness, or increase drainage on your dressing, please call Dr. Boone’s Clinical Assistant at (919) 781-5600.

If you are on blood thinners and notice abnormal bleeding (rectal, surgical site, vaginal or any other area), please call Dr. Boone’s Clinical Assistant immediately at (919) 781-5600.

If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, GO IMMEDIATELY to your nearest Emergency Department.

If you are problems after hours, call the office at (919) 781-5600 and you will be contacted by the physician’s assistant on call to help you resolve your problem.

Splint / Dressing Care

If you are having difficulties with your splint or cast please call 919-781-5600 for instructions. If your limb becomes increasingly numb and/or increasingly painful this is a potential emergency. For this situation, please call the office immediately or go to your closest emergency room. Dr Boone prefers that you go to Rex Hospital if possible.

Start with sponge baths immediately post-surgery. As time progresses, Dr. Boone’s recommendation is to place a garbage bag over the surgical limb, taped at the top to keep your dressing dry. You can also hang the affected limb outside of the bathtub if this is more comfortable for you. Always protect the dressing/splint in the bathing area with at least a plastic bag to minimize the chance of getting the dressing/splint wet. If your dressing gets wet, please call Dr. Boone’s Clinical Assistant at (919) 781-5600 to schedule a time for your dressing to be changed.

You are generally asked to leave the dressing intact until seen at your first postoperative visit. Exceptions to this would be in patients undergoing ACL reconstruction, and the therapist will do the first dressing change.

Mobility Aid

Following your surgery it is likely that you will need a mobility aid such as a cane, crutches, walker, or knee scooter. Dr Boone will discuss these options with you at the time of your history and physical.

Please contact Dr. Boone’s nurse, Lynne Woodall, at (919) 781-5600 if you have any questions or need additional information.

Dr. David Boone sees workers’ compensation patients who have foot, ankle, and knee injuries.

If you are not represented by an attorney or other party that would assist in protecting your rights, you may contact the NC Industrial Commission’s Workers’ Compensation Information Specialists Section (formerly the Ombudsman Section) at (800) 688-8349 or call (919) 807-2501 Monday-Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. or visit their website at www.ic.nc.gov/infospec.html for guidance.

Clinic

Prior to your appointment, Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic will need authorization from your assigned insurance adjuster and your referral from the treating emergency department or urgent care facility along with any treatment notes and x-rays. Please have your referring physician or workers’ compensation claim adjuster call (919) 863-6863 to schedule an appointment, or your records may be faxed to (919) 863-6809.

Dr. Boone and his staff address your medical condition as quickly as possible once we receive authorization from your insurance adjuster. We cannot move forward without this approval.

Surgery

If Dr. Boone determines that surgery is required, a surgery request form will be completed and sent to your assigned insurance adjuster. Scheduling of your surgery will be dependent upon our receipt of this approval.

Post-operative care must also be approved by the insurance adjuster. Your employer may have a preferred therapy provider to which you will be referred, or Dr. Boone will write an order to an approved facility.

For additional information, including contacts please refer to Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic’s Workers’ Compensation site at https://raleighortho.com.

Case Worker/Nurses

Does Dr. Boone provide IME/2nd Opinions?

Dr Boone performs Independent Medical Examinations and second opinions for orthopaedic issues involving the foot, ankle, and knee. He will first do a record review to determine if he is able to further assist with the patient’s care.

Please contact our office at (919) 863-6984 to set up the IME/Second Opinion and for more information on Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic’s workers’ compensation policies and procedures.

What do I need to bring to my initial appointment?

Please make sure that you bring:

A photo ID
Your insurance card
Your co-pay
A list of your current medications
Any and all previous x-rays, MRI’s, CT or bone scans related to your condition
Your referring physician & primary care physician’s (PCP) name, address and phone number
A list of your questions and concerns about your condition
Your card with information on your pacemaker, heart stent, or defibrillator

Please let Dr. Boone know prior to surgery being scheduled if you have any cardiac stents. It is also important for us to know if you are on blood thinners, or have a history of stroke, heart attack or previous treatments with regard to your current condition. Please bring all information with you to your appointment.

What happens after Dr. Boone decides that I need surgery?

Dr. Boone performs surgery on Wednesdays and Fridays. His Surgery Scheduler will call to schedule your surgery. If you have not heard from her within a week, please call her at (919) 863-6841. Her name is Susan Swift. If you are a Worker‘s Compensation patient, you will be contacted once your Insurance Adjuster has signed off on the surgery.

A History & Physical (H&P) exam will be scheduled within 30 days of surgery. Occasionally, depending on your medical condition, a preoperative appointment with the hospital may also need to be made.

Dr. Boone performs surgery at Rex Hospital and Raleigh Orthopaedic Surgery Center.

What do I need to know for my H&P?

Either Dr. Boone or his physician’s assistant will perform the history and physical.
Depending on your medical history, Dr. Boone may ask that your Primary Care Provider (PCP) evaluate you prior to the surgery.
It is important that we know all the medications that you are taking. If possible, please bring all your medications or a complete list with you to your H&P appointment.
Dr. Boone will give you instructions on your medications at your H&P.
After your H&P, please make sure you have your follow up appointment scheduled and have your pain medicine prescription before you leave the office. Post-operative appointments are made 10-14 days after surgery. You may also be given an antibiotic to be taken AFTER surgery.
Blood clots are unusual events following surgery, but steps need to be taken to diminish this risk, so Dr Boone will discuss plans for anticoagulation with you at the time of your H&P.
Please feel free to ask questions during your history and physical. It is important that you understand your preoperative and post operative instructions.

How will I know that my test or surgery has been approved?

Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic will contact your insurance company prior to your scheduled test or surgery. If your insurance company denies approval, Dr. Boone’s Insurance Coordinator will contact you. Please make sure that your correct phone number, insurance and address are on file with us.

How much will my surgery cost?

Please contact Dana Newman, Patient Account Liaison, at (919) 863-6844 for an estimate of what Dr. Boone will bill to your insurance.

If your surgery is scheduled at Rex Health Care, please contact their Patient Estimate line at (919) 784-3382.

For Anesthesia estimates, please leave your contact information on their automated line at (919) 873-9533 and someone there will return your call.

Can I eat and drink before my surgery?

If you are on blood pressure medication, please continue to take your medication with a sip of water the morning of surgery, regardless of when surgery is scheduled.

If you are diabetic, Dr. Boone will discuss the timing of your diabetic medication with respect to the surgery.

When do I show up at the hospital on the day of my surgery?

Please show up 2 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time or as instructed by Dr. Boone and his staff.

Occasionally, surgery times may need to be changed on your date of surgery. Please make sure that Dr. Boone’s nurse, surgery scheduler, and the facility where you are having your surgery has the best number that you can be reached on that day.

Will I be able to drive myself home after my outpatient surgery?

For outpatient surgery, you will not be able to drive yourself home. Please make sure someone is with you to drive you home and stays with you the first night.

Are blood clots normal after surgery?

Blood clots are unusual after surgery. Dr. Boone will discuss any anti-coagulation plan(blood thinning medication) with you preoperatively.

Who do I contact if I have complications after surgery?

Complications are unusual following surgery. It is important that you communicate with Dr. Boone & his team if you experience any problems.

If you notice any abnormal increase in swelling , discoloration such as increase redness, or increase drainage on your dressing, please call Dr. Boone’s Clinical Assistant at (919) 781-5600.

If you are on blood thinners and notice abnormal bleeding (rectal, surgical site, vaginal or any other area), please call Dr. Boone’s Clinical Assistant immediately at (919) 781-5600.

If you experience chest pain or shortness of breath, GO IMMEDIATELY to your nearest Emergency Department.

If you are problems after hours, call the office at (919) 781-5600 and you will be contacted by the physician’s assistant on call to help you resolve your problem.

How do I keep my splint dry after surgery? When can I start showering?

Start with sponge baths immediately post-surgery. As time progresses, Dr. Boone’s recommendation is to place a garbage bag over the surgical limb, taped at the top to keep your dressing dry. You can also hang the affected limb outside of the bathtub if this is more comfortable for you. Always protect the dressing/splint in the bathing area with at least a plastic bag to minimize the chance of getting the dressing/splint wet. If your dressing gets wet, please call Dr. Boone’s Clinical Assistant at (919) 781-5600 to schedule a time for your dressing to be changed.

What do I do if I need a mobility aid?

What do I do if I am having problems with my cast, brace, or splint (i.e. tightness, rubbing)?

When can I start driving after surgery?

The answer to this question will vary with your particular surgery. Surgery on the left leg will allow you to drive sooner if your car has an automatic transmission. Hanging the leg down, however, will cause undesirable swelling. Dr Boone will give you instructions with respect to driving when he discusses your surgery with you.

How long can I expect to be off work?

Your time out of work will vary with respect to your job requirements and your surgery. Dr Boone will discuss this in detail with you.

How long do I need to be non-weight bearing after surgery?

The answer to this question will vary based on the type of surgery you have had

When can I take my dressing off?

How do I file my Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) / Disability papers?

Dr. Boone’s secretary (Ms. Kathy Brinkley) handles all FMLA & Disability forms. Your employer (usually through Human Resources) should provide you with the forms. Please make sure you complete the “ROC Disability/FMLA/Etc. Instruction” form (click here to download) and submit along with your employer provided forms. They can be faxed, emailed, mailed or hand delivered to any of our offices. Once Dr. Boone’s secretary receives the forms, she will have the Providing Physician section completed, and process the forms according to your instructions on the “ROC Disability/FMLA/Etc. Instruction” form. If you need assistance with completing your portion of the form, please contact your employer. Dr. Boone’s secretary will only be able to assist you with the Providing Physician portion of the forms.

Please contact Dr. Boone’s nurse, Lynne Woodall, at (919) 781-5600 if you have any questions or need additional information.

Bunion Surgery FAQs

When should I have bunion surgery?

Bunion surgery is indicated for individuals experiencing pain in the area of the bunion and after failing conservative treatment. Conservative treatment generally consists of changing shoewear in an attempt to ease the pain over the bunion

After bunion surgery, how long will I have to keep my weight off the foot?

The answer to this question varies with the type of procedure. Generally, most patients will need to limit weight bearing over the area of surgery for at least 6 weeks postop. Some patients may require longer periods of limited weight bearing, depending on factors such as the type of surgery performed and patient age.

When can I resume normal activity after surgery?

Walking and standing will progress as soon as the surgeon is comfortable with bone and soft tissue healing following surgery. This period of time will be at least 6 weeks postop. Athletic activity progresses from low impact to higher impact over the course of several months postop.

How do I bathe after surgery?

I recommend starting with sponge baths and progressing to showering/bathing with a bag over the affected limb and taped at the top, usually with Duct Tape as the patient becomes more comfortable with the operated limb. Always try to have help when maneuvering in the bathroom setting during bathing if possible. You are at risk for falling.

When can I drive after surgery?

This depends on your type of surgery. As one would expect, surgery on the left foot has more of a minimal impact than driving than surgery on the right foot.

When can I return to work after surgery?

The answer will depend on your job and your employer. Your primary goal after the surgery is to protect the surgical site. Find out from your physician how long your weight-bearing needs to be limited. Talk to your employer on workplace restrictions regarding crutches, knee scooter, etc.

How is the surgery done?

Over 100 different bunion procedures have been described. Most procedures involve cutting bone and realigning the great toe with soft tissue procedures.

Will I have to spend the night in the hospital after the surgery?

Bunion surgery is an outpatient procedure. There are exceptions to the rule, however. Patients who live long distances away or have their surgery done late in the day may opt to stay overnight.

What are potential complications of surgery?

Risks of surgery include but are not limited to infection, wound healing problems, scarring, toe stiffness, hardware failure, nerve/vessel/tendon injury, blood clot(DVT), swelling, recurrence of the bunion, and death. Despite this list of concerns, complications are unusual following bunion surgery

How do I get my Family Medical Leave forms (FMLA) filled out?

My secretary, Ms. Kathy Brinkley, will fill out these forms. Please obtain then from your Human Resources person at your job and get them to Kathy.

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