Factured Left Tibula and some ligament damage

Had a bad left ankle injury about 5 days ago; had x-rays today and was diagnosed with a fractured fibula with some ligament damage.
They are scheduling me for open reduction internal fixation surgery in 6 days.

Questions:

1. Is surgery the right diagnoses?

2. How long is the recovery time and how long would it be before I can resume sport activities such as basketball?

3. Will i be back at 100% of all goes well with surgery and rehab?


Thanks!!

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Factured Left Tibula and some ligament damage

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Nov 19, 2008
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fibula fracture
by: Bart - SII

Depending on the nature of the fracture, its location, and if it is displaced, surgery is definitely a possibility. Open reduction internal fixation is the normal surgical option for a fibula fracture that is displaced or that occurs close to the ankle joint.

Recovery is somewhat lengthy - likely you will be in a cast or some kind of immobilization device non weightbearing for several weeks, followed by a transition into a walking boot. Return to sports may be possible 3-5 months after injury, with lots of rehabilitation to regain motion and strength.

Many times with ORIF ankle surgeries, it takes 12-18 months to get back to normal. A lot of that depends on the severity of the fracture and the rehab afterwards.

Bart

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