Walking after ORIF surgery, fractured distal fibula

by Jenn
(PA)

I broke my left distal fibula and my 3rd metatarsal on Sept 12, 2009. I then had surgery on October 2. Had to wait so long due to swelling and doctors schedule. I had 6 screws and a plate. I was in a partial plaster splint until October 15 and was then given a walking boot to wear however was told not to bear any weight for 7 weeks.

I just started physical therapy on November 9. I believe that I get to start walking with my boot and possibly one crutch this week. I am finding it very frustrating that my doctor is very busy and doesn't spend any time explaining anything to me and will not give me any idea of how long my recovery will be. I had a couple of questions that I was hoping you may be able to help me with.

I have noticed that when let my leg hang down after having it elevated my foot turns a shade of purple/blue, but once I elevate it again my foot turns back to its normal color. Is this normal?

I also have noticed now that since the swelling has gone down that the ankle bone that sticks out on the outside of my leg seems to have a type of bump on top of it. Is this a screw or part of the plate?

When I went to my last ortho appt on November 5 I was told that I would get to walk in 2 weeks and to just "go" ahead and walk. Am I going to be in a lot of pain when I walk?

And my last question is how long will I have to wear the walking boot for? My next ortho appt is not until Dec 7. My physical therapist has no clue about why my foot may be turning the color that it is and can't really answer any of my questions/concerns.

Sorry to overload you with questions I am just getting very antsy to get back to normal since it has already been 2 months since I last walked. I hope you can help.

Thanks!
Jenn

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Walking after ORIF surgery, fractured distal fibula

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Nov 18, 2009
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questions
by: Bart - SII

It is frustrating when your doctor doesn't seem to have time for your questions - thats a pet peeve of mine!

The circulation in your foot is likely what is causing the color change. Because you are not walking on it and using the muscles normally, the return blood flow is not as efficient - couple that with the healing and inflammation that is going on, and you get a pooling of blood in the foot when it hangs down, and that can turn it a shade of purple. This will get better with time.

The bump on your lateral malleolus is likely either a screw or part of the plate. There isn't much padding between the skin and the bone, so they can sometimes be felt and seen. This area may give you some trouble when you start wearing regular shoes again.

You will probably have some pain when you start to walk. As well as limited range of motion. You will probably feel like you don't even know how to walk. IT WILL get better, but your therapist should take you through some gait training exercises to help improve your walking, and you should progress slowly. Just because the doc says you CAN walk, doesn't mean you have to all right away and at once. You will probably also have some increased swelling when you first start weight bearing again. That is normal.

There are a lot of encouraging stories on the site under the ankle questions section - many people with ORIF like you. They may help provide some encouragement.

Bart

Nov 19, 2009
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Thank you
by: Jenn

Thank you so much for answering my questions. I feel better knowing that what I am experiencing is normal. I was giving the thumbs up today to start weight bearing, using both crutched thru the weekend and then starting with one crutch on monday at next PT appt. I finally feel like I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and am feeling better each day. Thank you again.

Mar 09, 2010
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your orif
by: Anonymous

Hey Jenn, I fractured my distal fibula whilst bushwalking and had to have an orif too. I am in my 4th week from surgery ( 10cm plate and 5 screws)and have been told that in 2 weeks time i will need to start weight bearing...this is a bit scary for me also. My foot when hung down also goes a nice shade of deep purple so was glad to read this is normal also.
I have had a great deal of shooting pain or nerve pain which has been hard to deal with....my doctor has put me on gabapentin which has helped...I hope your recovery is going ok...its frustrating but we will get there! Just take it one day at a time
Beth

Apr 18, 2010
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Calf Muscle Pain
by: Anxious for Normality

you all seem to have answered more of my questions than the 5 total doctors i have... thanks for that! my one concern that is scaring me is, I have been experiencing calf pain since they took me out of my cast and put me into a walking boot (but not weight bearing yet)any thoughts or knowledge on why this may be? thanks so much you guys!

Nov 24, 2010
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recovery from orif 12 screws
by: Anonymous

Broke my tibula and fibula while exiting from the doorwall into my husband's tennis shoe back in may 2010. i'm am still recovering. Was in a cast for 8 weeks non bearing, then into a boot for 2 weeks, also non bearing weight.
My leg and ankle went thru all the colors and swelling that everyone else has. It is now Thanksgiving and I still have trouble walking. I walk very slow and and the injured leg is stiff. my gait is awful. everyone wants to know when i'll be able to walk normal. Dr doesn't answer this question. I am still sleeping downstairs in the living room as it's too hard to go up and down stairs. I am working but am totally exhausted when I get home as there is no strength left in my leg. Going back for a check up in Dec. Does anyone know how long before you get back to a somewhat normal walk. did get therapy for 5 weeks.

Feb 05, 2011
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re:nerve pain
by: Anonymous

In addition to rx meds for nerve pain suggest working with a qualified consulting hypnotist. Check their credentials. Are they a member of a organization that requires minimum hours for basic training. Have they also taken area specific training in "pain management". Are they staying within their scope of practice?
They will also work with stress management with you. The Stress of dealing with on going discomfort actually makes things more uncomfortable.
Messages are sent by the nerves but... The interpretation of the pain is in the brain.
Hope you find less and less need for the Rx as time goes by.
Kathy S. ,RN BSN,CH. (Bloomington,IL )

PS: check with NGH (National Guild of Hypnotist) for a local hypnotist or Melissa Roth or Scot Giles or Ron Eslinger who are three national level medical hypnotists.

Feb 15, 2011
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PAIN AFTER ORIF SURGERY
by: jenny

hi i had a fracture of the tib and fib and dislocation of my ankle on 7.11.10. Had orif surgery 3 weeks later as they thought i seemed to be healing well without surgery but as it happened it didnt. Was in total 9 weeks in plaster cast and then 4 weeks in a walking air cast. At my most recent checkup on 4.2.11 was told to start weight bearing gradualy without my boot but with crutches. Went to see physio who got me to do gentle exercises too, one of the exercises i did was to put my good leg back and do a forward lunge when i did this i felt like the left hand side of my ankle pull where the screws are. Since this i have been in agony feels like the screw on the left hand side of my right ankle are pulling and the joint of my ankle is so stiff. Before i went to physio it felt not too bad but since the lunge i dont know. Physio said i could of pulled some scar tissue or a ligament.
Was wondering are these pains normal just want to be back to my normal self its been 3 and a half months. I know its goin to be a hard slog but need reasurance and to know if these pains are normal.

Feb 15, 2011
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brain reprogramming of natural movement after ankle ORIF
by: kathy sheetz,RN,BSN,CH

Even before full walking PT begins you may want to
begin programming your brain to what normal is by using a MIRROR (Based on Dr. Ramaschadran's research).
I sat in a wheeled walker with wall mirror between my legs, and resting against the ORIF leg (the ORIF ankle was now behind the mirror). Leaning over I would see both the "good" foot and its reflection. The reflection took the place of the ORIF ANKLE.
I would watch myself doing the step exercises in the mirror. I would only be using the "good" ankle. My brain would see the reflection as the ORIF ANKLE going easily through the exercise. Thus reprogramming natural movement.
Later when allowed partial weight bearing I would walk behind walker and watch in the hallway closets' mirrors only the GOOD ANKLE REFLECTION that was reflected on theORIF side. (This only works going one direction. I used a light colored shoe on the good foot to keep tract of the reflection. This could be done in a PT Room or dance studio. Walk along side the wall mirror not facing it.)

Mar 09, 2011
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My experience
by: Anonymous

I had orif surgery on my fibula, a plate and I'm not sure how how many screws were put in. I lke you, had a plaster splint for a few weeks and then I now have a walking boot. I had the surgery 5 weeks ago, and I started baring a little bit of weight on my foot this week, with my crutches. I was very afraid to put weight on it, because sun I slipped and accidentally put wetht on it, it was extremely painful. However since I worked my way unto 100% weight when I started fully walking on it a couple days ago it was only a little sore. My foot also turned slightly purple when I put t down after elevating, I was told this was because the blood was rushing to it after being restricted an that it was normal.

Apr 26, 2011
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Cold, cold, cold
by: AP

I broke my distal fibula in two place on Mar 30th. I had ORIF surgery on Apr 7th to have a plate and six screws installed. I've had a rough recovery (pain, not sleeping, etc), but my biggest issues seems to be feeling cold. My ankle (where the hardware is at) and my foot are always extremely cold. My toes feel warm to touch, but I feel like I have an ice pack on my leg and I get goose bumps underneath my cast. Has anyone had issues like this and, if so, what caused them? I, unfortunately, also have a doctor who doesn't like to answer questions so I'm stuck. Thanks!

Jun 03, 2011
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just had surgery
by: laila

hi guys.. i just had surgery on my fibula.. i had a distal fibula that was displaced and had a plate and screws inserted... i had the surgery today an now im home.. i hav this horrible burning sensation for the past few hours which i was told was from the Anastesia because they numbed my leg for the pain...any idea what pain will be like once that's gone and for the next few days and when pain starts to get better??? :/

Jun 20, 2011
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How long before I can walk Surgery?
by: Diana

All your stories are similar to mine they are big help.On April 28th I fell fractured Tibia & Fibula got temp. cast till surgery on May 2nd have plate & don't know how many screws got boot and no pressure. Went back on May 16th got staples out& still no pressure but can take boot off to shower like you guys still have swelling & discoloration but still no pressure have appointment on June 27th hopefully I can get rid of this boot, it will be 8 wks for me.

Sep 26, 2011
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Determination, Faith, and Dedication
by: Anonymous

Hello all! I'll start off by saying that this site is one of the most inspiring things that Ive encountered since my injury! I now know that I am not alone and everyone here feels my pain. Anyway, broke my tibia and fibula on June 2, 2011. I had an external fixator for 2 weeks. A rod was drilled straight thru the heel of my left foot, and 2 holes in my shin. The rod thru the foot had rods attached from each end that connected to the screws that were drilled in my shin. The next surgery was for the internal fixator which is the plates and screws. Had 2 plates and 8 screws. I was non weight bearing for 8 weeks. The pain was VERY EXTREME! I often felt someone was twisting my leg and felt pressure in my knee...even had swelling behind the knee occasionally which i thought may have been a blood clot...thank God it wasnt. Started doing physio about a month after the injury. My ankle would barely move, voluntarily or with assistance. Thru time, the range of motion returned slowly but surely. I went to therapy twice a week. Lots of twisting, turning, rotating, etc., followed by an ice pack and electro shock therapy. The shock therapy was awesome and really helped. Confidence would gradually grow as the days passed and I walked more. Of course, along with the walking came the swelling and the pain. Even with a compression sock, the swelling was incredible at times! It has now been 4 months since the injury and I still have swelling and weird pains. When something startles me (unexpected noise, my daughter about to fall, loud thundering, etc) i get this very weird and unusual sensation around the injury area...reminds me of a short shock of some sort. My range of motion has gotten better and now seems to have plateaued. Walking up and down inclines give me problems, my ankle still doesnt have the range of motion to support it. My therapist tells me as more of the scar tissue breaks up and the skin around the injury site loosens up, the range of motion will return. Im pleased with the results for now and anticipate more improvement with time. I had a 95% chance for amputation and am very thankful and grateful for the Dr. that took a chance/risk of reattaching my foot. Keep the physio going and the faith high and walking again is absolutely feasible! I hope this helps/inspires any/all that read...my question is->should i leave the hardware in and also the pros/cons of leaving it in vs. taking it out...good day readers, stay blessed!

Oct 12, 2011
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Ankle ORIF
by: Anonymous

Hi , I had ankle fracture(distal fibula) in August end. I had to undergo a ORIF in 3rd September and after that was in cast for 10 days. Then I havebeen in protective cast and advised to walk since that time. But everytime I walk for a long time, I get a swelling and little pain.. any clues why..please help me........

Oct 13, 2011
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swelling after ORIF
by: kathy sheetz ,RN,BSN,CHt (certified medical hypnotist)

please read thru postings for encouragement. When they say "elavate foot" they often forget to tell you "above heart level" so if you are just putting up on a footstool it's not draining fluid off&out. Check w your MD. There could be a medical reason why they didn't tell you to do that. Have them check your pedal pulses. A good physical therapist can also do that.
Cooling to reduce inflamation and gentle toe wiggling at the same time helps. Sitting around munching salty snacks is not a good idea. Over use of NSAIDS Can slow down healing. Integrative comfort managment maybe useful. always discuss w MD or PT.
Actually hypnosis can help w comfort & swelling. Use a Medically trained hypnotist so they themselves understand the bio-physical mechanics as well as the metaphorical use.

Best always kathy sheetz RN,BSN, medically trained
Hypnotist, Bloomington,IL. rnhypnotist@gmail.com

Oct 18, 2011
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ORIF ankle
by: Penguinlife

Finding this page has helped and brought a lot of questions and emotions. My story on how I got to the day of my surgery: my company sponsored the 5k marathon Mudfest and one coworker that signed up changed his mind so I took his place, knowing I'm not that athletic I decided to do it. The day of race I was nervous. The race started I walked pretty much the whole thing, did only obstacles I knew I could do and skipped ones I couldn't. I got to the last obstacle and finish line was right there. I ran up the dirt hill and got to top and waited for them to tell me to slide down. I slide down the way I was told and got to the end and something happened, I lost my glasses because I went under the mud/water I was searching not realizing that something happened to my ankle until someone tried to help me up. I went to get up and realized I couldn't get up. The rush of everything I ended up in ER and ambulance ride first for both and to find out I broke two bones and torn a ligament, I was given two options a: cast and never be the same or b: surgery. Of course I chose the surgery I wanted to be back to normal, i thought. The surgery was a week ago and it has been an emotional roller coaster. I am scared after reading many posts online that it's going to be a long time before its normal. The pain has been crazy, I am horrible at the crutches and have a hard time getting around. My husband has tried so hard to be there. But I'm am such an independent woman that having to rely on others is very hard. My neighbor has helped tremendously by coming over on a daily basis to help walk my puppy and help me around the house, then my husband comes home and I have him running around like crazy. Trying to keep up with school work and not worry about work has been super hard, i am such a busy person and a worry wart. I have not only been dealing with this but also my mom - she has cancer and I was suppose to be spending time with her and cannot drive to get over there. In scared this is going to take to much time to heal and recover from and I'm going to miss so much in my moms life

Oct 20, 2011
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orif and fx blisters
by: Anonymous

i had my surgery for a trimalleolar fx almost five weeks ago, my foot is still swelling, glad to read that is normal, i was hoping to be beyond that somewhat by now..am keeping it elevated most of day. Have had all the fracture blisters and my lateral incision split open and i have infection that i see wound specialist for. Am in more pain than i was originally am looking forward to weight bearing even though it will be painful it will help my ankle to heal. Am afraid of the pain with physical therapy but know i will religiously have to do the exercises if i want as close to a hundred percent recovery

Nov 06, 2011
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Motorcycle fibula
by: Anonymous

Broke my fibula in a motorcycle accident oct 9. Surgery was done oct 13. It was repaired using 5screws and a plate. 8 days later stitches and splint were removed. A solid cast was installed. Nov. 4 the cast removed and x-rays looked good to Dr. He then placed me in a air cast for 3 more weeks. I'm into my 3rd day of air cast. It's only been 3.5 wks since surgery and I was encouraged to begin putting weight, which surprises me due to all the posts I've read on here. It hurt like hell the first time, but seems to get a little better each time. I will say it seems to help with swelling.

This site is great! Everybody says the same thing about doctors. I found it true as well. I like my doctor, but seems you need to pry them for info. My best advise is to take a list and don't leave the office until your satisfied. They get paid a LOT of money for our pain.

If you can get your foot massaged after the cast (and stink) come off, it helps a ton with the swelling. I had a lump on top of my foot and this helped remove that as well.

If you're on here, I'm sure it's for good reason, good luck with your recovery!

Nov 16, 2011
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You will all b fine
by: Kathy

Broke my fibula skiing accident 3 yrs ago. ORIF plate casts physio numbness plate removed 98% perfect now I play tennis gym and no pain. Left leg feels slightly
Different that's all. Hope this inspires you all xx

Dec 01, 2011
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Post ORIF Recovery NEW
by: Michelle

I managed to end up with ORIF after slipping on icy ground on Oct 28th while camping in the back country and had a spiral fracture and displacement of my fibula and broke all the ligaments holding my tibia onto the malleolus, so that was totally displaced too. I strapped it and walked (well, limped) on it for 2 days to get out of the woods, had the Ortho Surgeon consult on 11/1/11, and the surgery 11/7/11. Surgery was one of the scariest things I've gone through, but it neccessary to get the reduction done and any kind of healing. I had a plate and 5 short screws in my fibula and a long syndesmosis screw through both the bones. I was in a plaster splint for a week post surgery, when they took that off it was re Xrayed and then a fiberglass cast put on. I've had that on for two and a half weeks and it is meant to come off next Tuesday when I go into a cam walker boot. I'm now wondering after reading all these posts if I'm going to be allowed to put weight on it yet. The crutches and immobility is really getting to me, and I'm just so ready to be able to walk (I don't work somewhere that I can get around on crutches easily). So, keep your fingers crossed for me that I can start to walk as of next Tuesday. I'm dreading having to spend the holidays in this walking boot. Enough already! Has anyone with a fiberglass cast for approx 3-4 weeks post surgery been allowed to walk once the boot goes on? Wishing everyone the best for their recovery. If you're in the early stages then my only advice would be this: if you're in pain take as many of the pain pills as you need to get ahead of the pain, no healing can happen when your body is wracked with pain; and it will get better, it'll take some time, but it will.

Dec 06, 2011
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Reply to Michelle NEW
by: Motorcycle

As I stated a couple posts ago, I began weight at 3.5 weeks. I was mostly crutch free by 5 weeks, except long distance. I was put into a small walking splint at 6 weeks post surgery. I'm now at 7.5 weeks. Your ankle will pop and be really stiff, sore and swollen for I don't know how long yet.

I was the same way, ready to walk again! It's nice, but remember it takes time. Going DOWN steps is very painful and not easy because of limited flexibility. I think mine is healing really fast all in all. The Dr. Didn't even recommend therapy, or follow past 6 wks.

You will be back on your feet soon and you should notice some sort of improvement every day.

Dec 11, 2011
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The start of the brokened journey NEW
by: brokened Shellie

I've jus started my journey . I slipped on black ice in parking lot. Takened to er. diagnosed with brokened ankle. The er put splnt on with ace wrap. Went to ortho next day and he left spint in place and scheduled next appt in one week. Went to appt on Friday 12/9/2011 and he stated surgery is needed and it it scheduled for Tuesday 12/13/2011. Im very apprehensive about upcoming surgery. HE will be doing a orif of fibula and tibula, he is thinking that i will go home same day of surger;y. Im hoping i will not go home same day . Im concerned about pain control for first 24 hours. ( I am non-weight bearing ever since fall) hate using crutches. Has anyone out there used a knee walker instead of crutches with this type on injury. And is it normal for this surgery to be done as an day surgery.

Dec 16, 2011
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Thankful to have found this site ! NEW
by: Cathy

My story is similar to others on here. I am so
Frustrated at this whole situation of putting
Everything in my life on hold .
On Nov 28th my right fibula at the juncture
Near the lower tibia completely fractured and
The whole ankle went off kilter or diskocated.
The e r doctor ( after they did a portable x
Ray) grimaced and told me the break would
Require surgery.
I was transferred to a different hospital
And was placed on the " trauma" unit. I later
Was told that most auto accidents are placed
There. My " accident" occurred due to a concrete
Barrier or a parking lot barrier that I literally
Ran into with my right shoe as I was trying to
Hurry and get out if the cold and rain.
We all collectively have similar stories. Here
It is, now 2.5 weeks post op. I am not an
Athlete... I'm a middle aged woman ( nurse )
Who hates being in a hospital, hates surgery
Etc and normally I take care of my Alzheimer's
Mom... Mom now is staying with her own
Caregiver in a home 2 miles from us.
I was given a pneumatic walking boot last
Friday. Nobody really explained a lot to ne
About how long the boot should be left on my
Foot or how many weeks or months a
Full recovery will take.
I was told to even sleep with the boot on!?
Friends have told me that many factors
Must be considered regarding when to do
Weight bearing etc.
My daughter came here to help out for the
First two weeks . My son and husband are
Trying to understand the frustration I am
Feeling.
I would like to have someone to vent
To ... This is the most painful and debilitating
Experience ever for me.
While others are planning their holidays
Etc. I'm stuck trying to figure out how to
Find a soft, comfortable un ribbed sock to
Wear under this HOT miserable pneumatic
Boot .
I am unsure whether to give my email
.... but would like to know other middle aged
Folks who are trying to cope.
Some websites say it can take 6 months
Or longer to bear full weight again .
Btw, I also had a double splint... Stitches
And a long stainless steel plate. My suture line
Is about 4 inches long ... And when they first
Removed the splints my daughter had to
Exit the room . It was bothersome to me
Too... Even with my medical background.
It's so good to have this forum... Thanks for
Reading this long post.

Dec 26, 2011
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Healing Shellie NEW
by: Broken Shellie

Well, it's been three weeks since my surgery. The doctor did a repair of my right tibula. My recovery process has been quite smooth. The first twenty-four hours after surgery, pain was quite severe. After that, the pain became less and less. I have a hard splint on my right lower leg. The doctor stated that he put an eight plate and six screws in my right leg. I had a doctor's appointment on Friday, December 23, at which time the doctor said that I should continue to refrain from bearing weight for four in a half more weeks. I spend most of my time lying on bed rest, with my right lower leg elevated. I must say, recovery has been much better than i had anticipated. The hardest part of recovery has been the bed rest.
In closing, I'd like to give a word of encouragement to all out there who have fractured any part of their leg. It does get better if you just take one day at a time. And with God, all things are possible, and will improve. Thank you.

Jan 02, 2012
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Christmas Tree Hunting NEW
by: Anonymous

On 11/26/11 I dislocated my ankle, completely broke my ankle, broke my fibula in half and broke my tibia in 3 places all my looking for a darn Christmas tree! I went to the ER had my ankle relocated had surgery 12/6/11 which was horrible pain (which everyone is different) my pain meds were not working. Thank god that's over. On 12/21/11 I went to my Dr had the stitches takin out all 33 of them and was put in a hard cast for 3 weeks. I go back on 1/11/12 to have the cast removed. I feel no pain I have what they call a tight rope through my ankle and a plate on the fibula about 11 screws total. I am hoping for a speedy recovery after the 11th I will do what ever it takes with PT to be able to walk again. I really hope everyone heals great!! And healthy again. Happy 2012 :)

Jan 05, 2012
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It get better NEW
by: Johnnyboy

First of all I appreciate reading all the post on this site,its very encourging.I broke tibia and fibia and had the ORIF on ankle on 11/10/11.Had surgery on 11/12/11 and with 8" plate and 11 screws total,and 5" incisions on both sides of ankle and 1-2" on top of foot.I was put in splint and pain was tolerable first two days,not sure if nerve block before surgery had anything to do with pain,but I didnt take any pain medication up until I saw my ortho on 11/14/11.I went to his office because I had severe bleeding,and pain on left side on ankle.Turns out I had several fracture blisters that closed up and decided to open up again.Saw the my foot for the first time since surgery and it wasnt pretty.Dr or nurse was not concerned about bleeding,bruising,redness,and swelling as I was,wrap my foot with gaue and ace bandage,and put me in air cast and siad we will see you at your next appointment.Well on 11/17/11 went back to office because of redness and swelling got worse,and was admitted into the hospital.Spent a week in the hospital on 3 differnt IV antibiotics until the could find what my infection was responding to.(Cellulitis).Infectious disease Dr. released me from hospital with a picc line to administer my IV antiobiotics at home.I had nursing come by the house to show me how to give myself all the meds and flushes.On week two at home on IV my picc line incision got infected and had to be removed.Dr wanted me on Vancomycin for 4 weeks so instead of picc line they had to give IV by peripheral line.What a nightmare that was Vancomycin was irritating my veins and would swell up and shut down so I had a nurse over everyday to try and find a new vein to abuse.After a week of peripheral and pricking for blood for lab my arms looked like I was attacked by a swarm of bees.My Dr agreed to put me on oral Zyvox for 4 weeks.What a relief that was.Iam on my first week of full weight bearing and on my 2nd week of physical therapy.my foot is still swollen and turns some purple,ble,and red colors when I put my foot down from elevation or if Im on it to long.Im a 49 year old male and they say I will not heal as quick as someone younger.I go to physical therapy 3 times a week and I do all of my physical therapy at too,Im determined to prove them wrong about healing time lol.Im able to waLk with one crutch now and everyday I see some positive improvement.So hang in there and be positive it will get better and sorry for babbling.GOOD LUCK TO ALL

Jan 22, 2012
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Broke ankle NEW
by: Anonymous

Hi I broke my ankle and now I am 6 1/2 week post op. I have been given the go ahead to weigh bear as tolerated. Well I walk ok with the boot kinda slow. My doctor gave me a ankle brace to use when i am ready. My question is what is the best way to transition from boot to no boot?

Jan 25, 2012
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still recovering NEW
by: Anonymous

I broke my right fibula on 12-7-11,walking my dog when another dog came from a garage and tried to attack.my dog. Had surgery the same night. I have a plate and 8 screws. I have been in a hard plaster cast for 7 weeks, not able to put any weight on my leg at all. I use a walker with 2 wheels and hop a lot. I am a 61 year old woman that before this happened I walked 25 1/2 miles per week for normal exercise. I don't know what is next but this web site has made me feel that I am not alone. Thank you,thank you a lot.

Jan 25, 2012
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Feb 06, 2012
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spiral fx of fibula NEW
by: samantha

On Dec 22,2011 I fractured my fibula during a scrimmage for roller derby( yes I play and LOVE IT and will play again!!) when it happened I heard a pop but I was trying to get myself to believe that it was just a bad sprain or pulled ligament...so 2 hours after it happed I decided to go to the ER..luckily I work there so I got in and out quickly but unfortunately I did FX my fibula 3 ways but not completely separated the bone. My Ortho doc gave me a choice on surgery or cast so I picked cast thinking "who would actually say yeah surgery!" thinking back now I wish I just opted for the surgery! I'm currently in a hard cast(wk 7) but the last 2 weeks have been allowed to weight bear with the use of a cast shoe. I follow up on Feb. 10th to hopefully get good news that the bone hasn't shifted( which all was good all last tue when I followed up) so I will be able to get a walking boot! But if I have any bone shift then I will end up having ORIF on my right fibula. So hopefully all will be good and bo surgery will be needed. Good luck to everyone!!

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