Question - Post Ankle Surgery Tendonitis

I had a bimalleolar fracture 8 months ago which required ORIF (Open Reduction Internal Fixation) with 6 screws and plate. I had very limited dorsiflexion of the ankle after physical therapy for months and the plate/screws were very superficial (causing discomfort).

It was thought that I had an anterior bone spur on the tibia limited the dorsiflexion (by xray)therefore repeat surgery was performed last week to have the plate and 5 screws removed as well as the bone spur (which was unable to be found). Note was made of alot of scar tissue which was removed.

Presently one week after surgery I have exquisite pain in my foot and tenderness with swollen and extremely tender extensor tendons of my foot. Is this to be expected or what should I expect. I feel like I have went from one problem to another. I do have increased dorsiflexion from O to 10 degrees.

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Question - Post Ankle Surgery Tendonitis

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Aug 26, 2008
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Pain is normal...
by: Bart - SII

The pain is normal - I would expect you to have quite a bit of pain after this procedure - mostly because they were probably probing around a lot to try to find the bone spur, and removing all of the scar tissue. Not to mention the fact that your muscles are not used to the new motion.

One week after surgery, you are still in the very early stages - your ankle is actively inflammed, and your body is getting ready to start the healing process - so you will probably continue to have some pain for the next few weeks, although it should improve as you go.

Make sure you are doing lots of range of motion activities to prevent scar tissue buildup and loss of the newly gained motion.

Bart