Recovery time (ankle fracture with ORIF)

by Ben H
(Pittsburgh pa)

So i was playing for my high school baseball team and we were tied 0-0. I went to steal second slid wrong and dislocated my ankle and broke my fibula. That was april 21 and i had surgery the next day. I had two screws placed above my ankle, my doctor said the same as terrell owens.

I started therapy two weeks later and worked harder than i have ever in my life. Got almost full range back now and even running and jumping a little. Just found out a screw is broke tho and now second surgery an option.

Doctor said its not a must have but needed a second opinion. I'm still in high school and plan on playing this spring. Should i get the screws out? If not what do you think the chances of making a full recovery by spring is?

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Recovery time (ankle fracture with ORIF)

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Oct 03, 2009
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Shattered Right Ankle
by: Angie

Hi everyone. I shattered my right ankle on July 3rd 2007 and I am still walking in an aircast and have very minimum motion in it. I have had surgery on it were the doctors placed 6 screws in it. A few months back I was told that the bones are now detirrating and 4 of the 6 screws has moved. The doctors are now saying that I have to have another surgery to fuse the bones together and load and behold my insurance is saying that this is an elective surgery. Guys I didn't know wanting to be able to walk regular or semi normal was elective. Out of the 2 1/2 years since the accident there was only 1 month that I didn't feel pain and that was when I was placed in a cast to completely demobilize my ankle so that I will know what it feels like to have it fused. After that I told the doctors okay lets do this cause I feel great. Now the insurance company is whats stopping it. They don't understand what it feels like to be in pain every single day and not be able to walk the way you used to and when you do walk it hurts like crazy and by the end of the day and your ready to go to sleep you have to take pain pills just to not feel the pain and be able to sleep. Does anyone have any thoughts on what I can do to help stop all this pain or to get the ball rolling so that I can have this surgery.

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Oct 03, 2009
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Submitted by: Angie

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Hi everyone. I shattered my right ankle on July 3rd 2007 and I am still walking in an aircast and have very minimum motion in it. I have had surgery on it were the doctors placed 6 screws in it. A few months back I was told that the bones are now detirrating and 4 of the 6 screws has moved. The doctors are now saying that I have to have another surgery to fuse the bones together and load and behold my insurance is saying that this is an elective surgery. Guys I didn't know wanting to be able to walk regular or semi normal was elective. Out of the 2 1/2 years since the accident there was only 1 month that I didn't feel pain and that was when I was placed in a cast to completely demobilize my ankle so that I will know what it feels like to have it fused. After that I told the doctors okay lets do this cause I feel great. Now the insurance company is whats stopping it. They don't understand what it feels like to be in pain every single day and not be able to walk the way you used to and when you do walk it hurts like crazy and by the end of the day and your ready to go to sleep you have to take pain pills just to not feel the pain and be able to sleep. Does anyone have any thoughts on what I can do to help stop all this pain or to get the ball rolling so that I can have this surgery.

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Sep 16, 2009
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Ankle Stiffness Swelling
by: Deirdre

Hi,
On June 18, 2009, I had a terrible accident where both ankles, heels were shattered and 1 bone in right calf was broken. Had surgery on June 24th and was in the hospital for almost a month. On July 7th was released from hospital wearing 2 boots and could not bear weight. Have been going to physical therapy 2x per week and just got up Monday. Doctor told me to use walker until next appointment on Sept. 30. The stiffness and pain are awful. My physical therapist says it is atrophy and from not using the muscles and tendons. I understand this but I can see a screw coming out of my ankle bone where there is alot of pain. Has anyone experienced this pain, stiffness and swelling before? Please advise of any experiences, advice and anything for relief. Advil doesn't help. I had traumatic injuries and was also told that the hardware will remain. Thanks

Sep 07, 2009
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Day 4 post op hardware removal
by: Anonymous

My discharge paperwork said 23:40 hours a day I am to be on my butt w my leg elevated above my heart for 4 days. Today is the 4th day. I am doing pretty well. I live in a 3 story townhouse so I set up an op center on the floor w a kitchen and the bathroom. Last night I deflated the aero bed and went to sleep in my bed after I crawled up stairs. I could be at my Mom's but I prefer to be at my house. I have Puffy Joe cast on and I feel like it is tight so I sit w it elevated. For some reason I don't feel like going to sleep at bedtime so I stay up really late.

I had the hardware removed because of the swelling that I had the screws on the inside of my ankle were coming out. I could see the sillouette (SP?)in my skin!

I feel funny taking pain meds but have been taking them to "stay ahead of the pain." I think I will go on an outing to the mailbox today...whooie! I am going to hire a trainer and get back in shape. I have always been in great shape but since this happened a year ago...just has not been the same. I used to lift, run, do tri's, tons of swimming, cycling etc....I want it back. It is going to take time. I turn 40 in Feb...I just have to remember how lucky I am to be alive after getting hit by the car. I am lucky not to have brain damage etc...This is small stuff.

Sep 07, 2009
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Recovery
by: Four Weeks post op and counting

I went to the dr.for 4 weeks and 3 days post op on the 1st of Sept and said it is slowly recovering. So he wants 3-4 more weeks of non weight bearing. Bummer. So I am still trying to exercise my leg the best I can to minimize muscle loss. With this 3 lb. boot on, it helps with the exercises on the floor. I asked about the hardware removal, and his advise was that it doesn't usually come out unless a year later and if it's actually bothering. So we will see how that goes. I am anxious to start weight bearing on it, since I am so tired of these crutches. My right leg has had several knee surgeries on it, and it gets pretty tired easitly now that it's the main weight bearing leg.
I don't wish anyone to ever go through this, but as life has it, accidents do happen. Hang in there, think of different ways of working around a tri-pod experience and just get out and enjoy life as best as one can. Hey, if flamingos can stand on one leg for a long time, I guess we can build up to that too. Will post after dr. appointment on the 22nd of Sept.

Sep 05, 2009
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Hardware removed
by: Anonymous

I got my 5 screws and a plate removed on the the 3rd. I also got a scope to make sure the cartligde is still in my ankle due to pain where my foot and ankle meet.

The pain is great. The doc says to keep my foot elevated 23 hours and 40 min per day! OMG that is bathroom breaks only! WOW! I am going to lose my mind I am certain. I insisted on coming to my house rather than moms. I have a blow up bed in my living room which is the same floor as a bathroom and the kitchen. I have a follow up on the 11th the Doc said that he thought I would be weight bearing by then. For now, I am no weight bearing. So can someone tell me what is next?

Aug 30, 2009
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kind of similar
by: Anonymous

Mine is kind of similar to yours because I have pretty movement still. Mine was barely dislocated, like a 1/4". I had a tri-mal but a very good one compared to others I have read about and x-rays I have seen. Also, I did break four metatarsals acrossed the top of my foot but they aren't playing into recovery yet. The timeline for recovery is what drove me crazy, so I wanted to give you mine. You want to know what to expect but this injury can be so different depending on person, injury, health and doctor/physical therapist....age. I'm 49.

I'm also pretty active, not sports related but daily exercise, walking, hiking, gardening. Apparently more active than I thought because its driving me crazy to be inactive.

Injury was June 27th, surgery because of bad diagnosis was July 11th. I got a hard cast ten days after surgery, I think July 21 or 22. When she put it on she had to force my foot out of a more pointed position. I almost threw up it hurt so much. I didn't want to have to do that again. So I had about an inch that I could play with in my cast. I kept moving my foot up and down. I also tried to keep my thigh working. I still lost muscle mass, I was actually surprised how much. I had that cast 3 weeks. My doctor was surprised how much ROM I had so he gave me the walking boot and said keep moving it, I can put 25 lbs of pressure on it, I do gentle circles. I use therapy bands (which are great). With my foot flat on the floor I loop it under it. I gently pull up to force a flexion. When its up I gently push down with my foot to work my calf muscle. It feels great and I can see it flexing a little in there. I also do side leg lifts to work my hip muscles, which are so loose. Again, it shocked me to see my muscles deteriorate like that.

I have hardware too screws, plate. I also have a 3" screw that has to be removed in about four weeks now. I was told I won't get to bear much weight until that is out. Then I have to weight three to four weeks for that hole to heal. Then my understanding is I get to bear weight as tolerated. I feel so lucky to not have had problems.

Anyway, I hope that helps some. As I said recovery timeline was frustrating. Good luck.

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Aug 30, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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Mine is kind of similar to yours because I have pretty movement still. Mine was barely dislocated, like a 1/4". I had a tri-mal but a very good one compared to others I have read about and x-rays I have seen. Also, I did break four metatarsals acrossed the top of my foot but they aren't playing into recovery yet. The timeline for recovery is what drove me crazy, so I wanted to give you mine. You want to know what to expect but this injury can be so different depending on person, injury, health and doctor/physical therapist....age. I'm 49. I'm also pretty active, not sports related but daily exercise, walking, hiking, gardening. Apparently more active than I thought because its driving me crazy to be inactive. Injury was June 27th, surgery because of bad diagnosis was July 11th. I got a hard cast ten days after surgery, I think July 21 or 22. When she put it on she had to force my foot out of a more pointed position. I almost threw up it hurt so much. I didn't want to have to do that again. So I had about an inch that I could play with in my cast. I kept moving my foot up and down. I also tried to keep my thigh working. I still lost muscle mass, I was actually surprised how much. I had that cast 3 weeks. My doctor was surprised how much ROM I had so he gave me the walking boot and said keep moving it, I can put 25 lbs of pressure on it, I do gentle circles. I use therapy bands (which are great). With my foot flat on the floor I loop it under it. I gently pull up to force a flexion. When its up I gently push down with my foot to work my calf muscle. It feels great and I can see it flexing a little in there. I also do side leg lifts to work my hip muscles, which are so loose. Again, it shocked me to see my muscles deteriorate like that. I have hardware too screws, plate. I also have a 3" screw that has to be removed in about four weeks now. I was told I won't get to bear much weight until that is out. Then I have to weight three to four weeks for that hole to heal. Then my understanding is I get to bear weight as tolerated. I feel so lucky to not have had problems. Anyway, I hope that helps some. As I said recovery timeline was frustrating. Good luck.

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Aug 29, 2009
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Four Weeks post op and counting
by: 4 wheeler goof

I had fractured my tibia and fibula bone in the ankle on July 31, 09. It broke just above the ankle joint so I can still move my ankle abit. I had surgery the next day and they put plates and screws on both sides of the ankle. I was put in a boot cast on Aug 11 I have been non weight bearing for the whole four weeks and am hoping for weight bearing after the 6 weeks. What is the time frame for this type of injury? When should I be concerned about getting the hardware out? Any advice? I have been very active all my life, I am 45 yr old female. I have been trying to keep this leg in use by lying on the floor and doing a bicycle motion with it (with boot cast on) to keep my leg from being week. Plus any other non weight bearing exercises that I can think of that won't rightly affect the ankle at this time. Any advice will be appreciated.

Aug 23, 2009
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see another OS
by: Anonymous

Where do I start...for getting scared. Thank you for calling them ups and downs. I call them that too but figured there was a technical term I didn't know. After reading your story, I would urge you to get a second opinion from an orthopedic surgeon. All your questions are valid. I've read a lot of these stories on several sites and the balance thing is a new one. if the mobility isn't coming back and you did this in January. I broke mine almost two months ago. I have a trimalleolar and broke four metatarsals in my foot, lots of screws and a plate. I'm very proud of my ups and downs and do gentle circles. I can only bear 25 lbs at this point because some of the screws I have in have to come out in four weeks (yea). My doctor did say when the time comes after a year, he would be happy to take out the hardware if its bothering me or it can stay in if its not. It is definitely not uncommon to take it out, many people have trouble with it. It should have been explained thoroughly to you why you had to have the surgery. I'm 49 and doing okay with all my broken bones and I have a daughter your age. I would absolutely recommend that second opinion to her knowing what I know now. Post it too, I would like to know what they said. Good luck :)

Aug 23, 2009
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Hang in there and insist if you must
by: Kris L

Please get a second opinion if your doctor tells you it's uncommon to get the hardware taken out. I broke my fibula in Dec. 2008 and had my hardware taken out in April because of constant pain and swelling. I can't tell you how different I felt and how much quicker I healed. I'm still working daily at recovery but I can see the end of the tunnel. My surgeon told be going into the 1st surgery that I could have the plate and pins taken out if I wanted. Sometimes it hampers walking is certain types of shoes and it is uncomfortable. Insist if you must, but hardware is taken out.

Aug 23, 2009
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bimalleolar fracture
by: Anonymous

Hi,
I fractured my left ankle about 8 weeks ago (bimalleolar). Had surgery 1 plate and about eight screws put in. Now using elbow crutches. I am still in a lot of pain and have swelling of the ankle. I am in my mid 50's. This has been a shock to my system. I broke my ankle just getting out of bed.
I used to walk 5 days a week,and I am finding the lack of exercise very hard. I can notice my fitness levels drop day by day. I am not allowed to drive yet and am still very dependent on others. I am doing the exercises my physio suggested and weight bearing as much as I can. Any suggestions as to what else I can do would be very much appreciated.
I don't know whether to get the hardware out or keep it in, my surgeon suggests we look at this in 12 months time.

Aug 23, 2009
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8 months in... getting scared.
by: Anonymous

I flunked skiing back in January ended up breaking the inside of my ankle. the x-ray resembled a wishbone. I had surgery a week later, two screws a plate and some pins. At first I thought things were going well. I live in the mountains and the cold really affected the metal in my leg. It hurts when its cold outside. It hurts when it's raining. After about the six month mark i've started to get more and more concerned. The mobility isn't coming back. I've done the exercises they've told me. the Up and downs, balancing on your bad leg, BTW anybody else have trouble with their balance? I tend to tip to my right side after oh... five seconds. I've gotten in swimming pools done the ankle circle thing.. I still hurt. But I think more disturbing is that even though i'm not that aware of it I limp.. The people that I work with tell me when i'm not walking well. And it's usually after less than four hours into my work day. And after looking at the soles of my shoes the one with the break is a lot more broken down than my good side. My doctor for recovery was different than my surgeon but he told me that it's very uncommon to get hardware removed after surgery and that it usually stays in permenantly. I wasn't given a choice on whether to have the surgery I'm twenty-six a little young to be dealing with these problems if they are going to be permenant. and, dang it all I want to wear a pair of heels again. Any advice, or personal experiences?

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Aug 23, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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I flunked skiing back in January ended up breaking the inside of my ankle. the x-ray resembled a wishbone. I had surgery a week later, two screws a plate and some pins. At first I thought things were going well. I live in the mountains and the cold really affected the metal in my leg. It hurts when its cold outside. It hurts when it's raining. After about the six month mark i've started to get more and more concerned. The mobility isn't coming back. I've done the exercises they've told me. the Up and downs, balancing on your bad leg, BTW anybody else have trouble with their balance? I tend to tip to my right side after oh... five seconds. I've gotten in swimming pools done the ankle circle thing.. I still hurt. But I think more disturbing is that even though i'm not that aware of it I limp.. The people that I work with tell me when i'm not walking well. And it's usually after less than four hours into my work day. And after looking at the soles of my shoes the one with the break is a lot more broken down than my good side. My doctor for recovery was different than my surgeon but he told me that it's very uncommon to get hardware removed after surgery and that it usually stays in permenantly. I wasn't given a choice on whether to have the surgery I'm twenty-six a little young to be dealing with these problems if they are going to be permenant. and, dang it all I want to wear a pair of heels again. Any advice, or personal experiences?

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Aug 20, 2009
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all of it is out
by: Anonymous

I fell down the stairs and broke my fibula Sept. 08. Tore the ligaments and had ORIF surgery a week later. 1 plate, 8 screws and it took 8 weeks till I could walk. Lots of swelling and stiffness so they took out the 3 long ones that went through tibia. That helped but I've had constant ache and swelling since. I went in last week and had them take the rest of the hardware out and it feels great! I still have stitches in and I can't wait to get back to running and even jumping if I want!! I know it will be 100% soon. They said I could start running in 4 weeks. Hang in there, listen to your body and give these injuries time, they take a lot of it and are different for everyone.

Aug 18, 2009
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You get there eventually :)
by: Anonymous

I can't say how you will recover, but I bet you do great. I was where you are now a month ago and I didn't know what my future was going to be. But you are young and that makes a word of difference. I broke my ankle, a tri-malleolar and four of the metatarsal bones in the top of my foot. I didn't have cleats on but did have flip-flops and was running down a hiking trail in Hawaii. They got stuck on a step and they I did the same thing you did basically and the same surgery with a syndesmosis screw that comes out in six more weeks (can't wait).

Not knowing what to expect was the worst feeling. It did change about a week ago when I had the best doctor appointment. I have managed to maintain my range of motion which is way ahead of what it should be. I wiggled my toes in the hard cast, if they say you can do it. I would move my foot up and down in the cast. I had about 1" of room when it wasn't swollen. Keep it up, keep the swelling down. It is boring but do it as much as you can. After doing that with my hard cast, in four weeks he gave me a walking boot. Now I can put 25 lbs of pressure on it, move it in gentle circles and up and down. I'm trying to get as much range of motion as I can now because that will make PT easier and faster.

Give yourself a few months to heal and adjust. Just know there is an end to it. I'm months from the end too but I know its there after reading some of the good stories. I had some of the downest days, we all do. That gets better too. Good luck, you do fine...its just slow.

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Aug 18, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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I can't say how you will recover, but I bet you do great. I was where you are now a month ago and I didn't know what my future was going to be. But you are young and that makes a word of difference. I broke my ankle, a tri-malleolar and four of the metatarsal bones in the top of my foot. I didn't have cleats on but did have flip-flops and was running down a hiking trail in Hawaii. They got stuck on a step and they I did the same thing you did basically and the same surgery with a syndesmosis screw that comes out in six more weeks (can't wait). Not knowing what to expect was the worst feeling. It did change about a week ago when I had the best doctor appointment. I have managed to maintain my range of motion which is way ahead of what it should be. I wiggled my toes in the hard cast, if they say you can do it. I would move my foot up and down in the cast. I had about 1" of room when it wasn't swollen. Keep it up, keep the swelling down. It is boring but do it as much as you can. After doing that with my hard cast, in four weeks he gave me a walking boot. Now I can put 25 lbs of pressure on it, move it in gentle circles and up and down. I'm trying to get as much range of motion as I can now because that will make PT easier and faster. Give yourself a few months to heal and adjust. Just know there is an end to it. I'm months from the end too but I know its there after reading some of the good stories. I had some of the downest days, we all do. That gets better too. Good luck, you do fine...its just slow.

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Aug 17, 2009
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i dislocated my ankle
by: elviss

I'm 18 years old, and dislocated my ankle while playing soccer. I slid and my soccer cleats studs got caught to the grass and I went the other way. This happen july 27, I had an ORIF surgery the following day july28, 2009. The doctors said I dislocated my ankle and completley destoyed all my ligaments. I had 10 screws and a metal plate put in, is there a possiblity that I will be able to play again? Any guesses on how long i'll be on crutches? I had my hard cast on put on Aug5.

Aug 09, 2009
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Still recovering
by: Kris L

I've really found this sight to be helpful, as I blogged here, back on April 8, 2009. Just an up-date on my recovery. I've finally gotten a lot of my movement back in the left ankle after breaking my fibula. I had the hardware (plate and screws) taken out on April 7th because I had infection, pain, and a loose screw. It is now August 9th and I STILL experience swelling and pain if I'm on the ankle to long. I can however, walk further and faster than in the past and I can stand longer without shooting pains. I truly beleive it will be a year long recovery, which I was told from the beginning. My original break was December 29th of 2008.

Aug 09, 2009
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Getting it removed
by: Hit by car on while on bike

I was hit by a car Aug 23 08. I have been running with pain, swimming w pain living my life w pain and swelling at the end of every day. I had a bilateral L ankle break, a R ankle break, traumatic brain injury, and a lot of road rash.
I went to the doctor and they gave me motrin....OMG! I went back to my PT and he shot some more xrays and yes the screws are coming out! I am so glad that there is a reason for the continued pain! I am sched for pre op on the 18th and hardware removal on the 3rd of Sept. I am thinking that the bone is healed right so they just go back in the same incisions and yank the hardware out, right? Easy Day. I really am interested in how long I will be laid up. Right now I am not deployable and am very much looking forward to deploying again. I am right at the year mark of my accident and I am very lucky to be alive but I want to get on with it!

If you can, please give me a snapshot of what removal and recovery will be? I am at the wrong age to be laying around...know what I mean! I gotta be active!

Aug 02, 2009
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umm
by: Anonymous

Well It was just horriable for me, I started walking about Feb-Its my left ankle so I did get to drive.It has changed my life-I wish you luck..I did wish that I took advanatge of the time off and relaxed more I was on a ladder painting with my boot on.

Aug 02, 2009
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Recovery
by: Jeannie Vawter

I'm sorry to hear you are now without insurance. Unfortunately I am the same. Luckily we have funds to pay the bills as they come in. I don't know if I will though when it comes time to remove the hardware.

I was interested in your timeline of recovery. I'm only four weeks or so out from surgery. I did find out I have 11 screws a plate, there is the bolt too. They said the bolt will come out in 10 to 12 weeks and I can't weight bear for four weeks after that. Then it's light weight only at home in the house. How long was it before you were in physical therapy? This is my right ankle and I can't even drive myself.

I was also interested in your pain now. I'm fairly active and am concerned with being able to have consistent mobility for a day. I guess I have trouble just not knowing what to expect.
And, I am soooo sick if these crutches.

Jeannie

Aug 01, 2009
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i need advice
by: brooke

I had surgey in late oct 08 Its going into Aug and I have swelling and very stiff at least %50 off my day Iam pretty active,but its pretty painful still oh and it clicks and pops..I have no more insurnce..this whole thing is depressing
9 screws and 1 plate..any advice

Jul 12, 2009
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trimalleolar fracture and ORIF
by: Jeannie V

I have a trimalleolar fracture of my ankle. I didn't have surgery until 11 days past the hiking accident. I was on Hawaii. They didn't diagnose all the broken bones. Besides the three in my ankle I broke the ones across the top of my foot. My doctor here at home is great. He doesn't mince words though. He said the ankle will not be what gives me problems in the long run. It will be the fractures across the top of my foot. I had surgery just three days ago. I do have a bolt (to be removed in a few weeks) through all bones to hold it tight for now, a plate and screws (not sure how many). I've been concerned about recovery time. It looks like six months to a year and is really individual. I was thinking the best move would be to remove all hardware when its safe and after reading these I think that is the right course. Nice to read peoples experiences. Just remember its quite different per person, age, health, activity level.

Jun 09, 2009
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Fracture
by: Abram

Ima 16 years young football playing weight lifter. one day i was on my way back home and got in a car accident. fractured the inside part of my ankle. I had surgery a week later. I know everything will be fine the doc gave me a boot for 10 days and a cast for 4 weeks. he said i will be the same. And i have faith in God. I know i will be the same on the field and in the weightroom. What do you guys think?

Apr 08, 2009
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Hoping for a fast recover
by: Kris L.

I fell down steps and broke my fibula which required a plate and six screws. Broke the bone on Dec 29, 08, had surgery Jan 2. Had nothing but problems with my incision closing. My ankle was constantly swelled and I had a constant tugging on the ankle. After many visits to the doctor we decided to take out the plate and screws in case there was a bateria infection. Just has surgery yesterday April 6th and found out that I had a loose screw that was probably causing most of the problems. I would advise anyone with plate and screws to have them removes as soon as possible. I've heard to many storys about the screws coming loose and or coming out. Might as well get is all taken care of once you're somewhat use to the crutches. It's a pain and has been a long haul (4 months) and will probably be 6 months by the time I'm completely healed and walking well again. I wouldn't wish this type of break on my worst enemy!

Feb 24, 2009
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recovery
by: Anonymous

I wasn't allowed any recovery period after I had 10 screws & a plate removed from my ankle. My husband demanded I cook his dinner and perform all my usual household tasks. He thinks since it was day surgery it is painless.

Oct 29, 2008
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THANKS
by: Anonymous

thanks everyone, this news is all great. It was a long summer but i'm glad to hear its probly gonna be a fun spring, thanks for all the comments and info.

Oct 29, 2008
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Ankle surgery hardware removal recovery
by: Anonymous

HI,
My daughter (17) just got her plate and 6 screws removed today actually...it is a good move. The surgery was much easier than the first after the break. She is also on her school basketball team and was able to play from Sept. until now with the hardware in. She broke it and had surgery back in May 08. The screws and plate were causing a lot of irration and swelling and they decided to deal with it now rather than the orginally planned spring 2009. We were told 6 weeks and physio and it is back to sports with a ankle brace support.
She actually was thrilled on how little pain there was this time compared to last time coming out of the O.R into recovery. She can begin to put a bit of weight on it starting tomorrow.
Good Luck!

Oct 29, 2008
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screw removal
by: Bart - SII

Removing hardware after an ORIF surgery is usually a straight forward procedure that doesn't have a long recovery time. I would guess 2-3 weeks max.

You should be good to go for the spring season.

Bart