1.5 weeks after ORIF Ankle

Posted , 6 users are following.

Hi, I am 1.5 weeks out from having fibula fixation (plate and screws) - clearly non weight bearing, have a 3/4 cast for now and go next week to (fingers crossed) get into a boot.

Has anyone who has had a similar surgery had an odd sensation/feeling of popping around the area of the surgery (no pain or discomfort from this sensation)? I'm sure it's me being my neurotic self - thinking that malunion of the bone is causing this...but if anyone who has gone through this knows the feeling I am talking about it would be awesome to hear your story.

Thanks!

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Edited

    I am not sure but I can tell you my foot kept cramping and when I asked he said weird things happen after surgery.... I think if it hurt I would be concerned

  • Edited

    There are sensations, noises, even zaps of sudden pain kind of like an electric shock you may begin to feel - all very normal. I’m two years out, it’s a long road, just try to be patient, and the worry is normal. Your surgeon lined you up before the hardware was placed, so malunion not likely scenario. I also disagree that if it hurts there is cause for concern, I was in solid, throbbing pain for a few months - also normal for some.

    • Posted

      Key word you mentioned that I am learning is how to be PATIENT! I have very limited patience which is making my wife (who is 7 months pregnant) crazy...

      Thank you for the response!

    • Edited

      I have 2 kids, so being patient wasn’t exactly my thing either when I had surgery - things to do, places to go lol. Before you know it you will be back at it, it’s a promise, then you’ll be wishing you had some down time when baby comes.

  • Edited

    I'm 9 weeks after being diagnosed with Weber B fibular fracture. Minimal displacement so no surgery. I did have that moving/popping sensation for a few weeks after I started no weight bearing. I also worried about it being the bone especially since I didn't have surgery. Asked MD about it and he referenced the peroneal tendon, but looking at pictures of that I don't think that's what it was. He seemed like he really didn't know. Anyway it's gone now and my fracture has healed well. All kinds of soft tissue issues now but I will work through it. Start Pt this week.

    • Posted

      @Lisa444 Best of luck with recovery!

      All these odd sensations and feeling helpless is definitely causing the anxiety, but it is nice to hear that others say they went through the same and they are doing better!

  • Edited

    hi , I am 12 weeks after Orif, been a slow process with a lot of ups and downs. all the sensations you mention are probably normal. i had lots of weird sensations and sharp pain. dont weight bare too soon that was my downfall, be patient.

  • Edited

    Hello! I am about a week behind you having had ORIF on my fibula ankle fracture on the 5th. Though I have not had the sensation you described, I have had all kinds of weird feelings. Swelling causes all sorts of unpleasant sensations, but I am grateful that pain is very rare and usually comes in the form of zaps. I have had involuntary jerks that happen similar to when someone is just falling asleep, but I have become used to that. It only happens occasionally. I can't wait to get the splint off! I feel like it is hitting pressure points I can't get away from. Have you had a similar experience with yours? When do you get a change in footwear? Seems there are a few of us on here very close in surgery times, glad to know I am not alone in this. Having never had a broken bone before and surgery with it, I have no idea how to gauge and define all these weird sensations. Glad to have people to talk to. It is reassuring, especially from those that have gone before us and are much healed now. I wish you a quick and as easy a recover as possible!

    • Posted

      @gina01213 The splint 100% feels as if it is squeezing and causing so much discomfort! Next week I go in to have it removed (fingers crossed all looks good with the bone) and will get the boot.

      Every time I make even the slightest slip up e.g. today I went to sit down and put SUPER minimum weight on my leg by accident...I feel like I am going to cause damage! It is very much so a mental game and that to me has been the hardest part.

      Wish you a speedy recover!

    • Edited

      @nayr, let's both hope we get rid of these splints and get boots we can take off for a time next week! Sending you speedy recovery vibes as well! May our bones heal extra fast!

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