5 weeks post ORIF ankle surgery (w/pic)
Posted , 7 users are following.
I am almost to the six week mark after having ORIF surgery (8 weeks since the accident) for a trimalleolar fracture. I am hoping I will be allowed to start bearing weight after x-rays confirm I've healed appropriately (appointment is April 16).
For those of you that had similar fractures, when were you allowed to bear weight? How long did it take to walk without assistance? And how long did the stiffness last for?
Here is a picture from today. Anyone else have pictures to share from 5/6 weeks post op?
0 likes, 5 replies
ann52138 Manda089
Posted
Hi. I had same fractures. I was in cast for 8 weeks. Different hospitals seem to have different time lines. i had cast off then and a boot. I was walking in boot with crutches, then no crutches, then no boot within 4 weeks so 12 weeks since orif (indoors). I am now walking normally around house and doing two 20 min walks outside wearing trainers. I am still using both crutches outside. I use them on the hill back to house and to lean on if I stand and chat. Ankle is swollen in eve and a bit sore but manageable. I think I have been lucky as it's going well and others seem to have more problems. Good luck
sunnyzd Manda089
Edited
Hi, I had my injury on 28th Feb, Surgery on 4th March. In my post op visit on 16th March doc removed stitches and put on a cast. Doc suggest followup appt after 4 weeks however, nurse gave me appt after 3 weeks. To give it enough time I delayed it by a week to get 4 weeks exactly. If all goes fine I will be upgraded to boot and which doc said will be for 2 weeks. Will keep you posted.
kenneth_06543 Manda089
Edited
i love sharing my story after 3yrs of trimalleolar surgery !!! i was able to partial wb of 40lbs at 9 week. 11 weeks i was walking without cast with tennis shoe on and doing physical therapy. 13 weeks i was back at work light duty. 15 weeks full duty at work and back to normal activity. the most challenge was for at least a month was everytime i sat down i had to warm my ankle up before walking, it would be stiff . the most important thing to keep in mind is strength exercises for the ankle. (no exceptions). the first year was the most challenging part for me . i'm back doing all the things that i did before the injury (running, lifting weights ) with any problems at all. my ankle even during the winter doesn't give me problems . back yo my old self.. EVERYTHiNG WILL BE FINE !!!!
tom92172 Manda089
Posted
I had a distal fibula fracture with syndemosis injury so a little different than yours. Pic is from 5 Weeks but tomorrow I'll be at 7 weeks with one week partial weight bearing. Today was the first day I really started to feel like I'm a day or so away from walking without crutches (in boot).
The first 3-5 days or pwb are pretty frustrating, take your time and stick with it.
Good luck!
markt72 Manda089
Posted
HI, I am 9 week post orif op Fibula - Neutralisation / Bridging plate 6 screws and 2 screws in medial malleolus.
I was in cast for 2 weeks with nwb. Then put in airwalker boot for another 4 week of nwb. Then at 6 week appointment told to start fwb with boot and crutches as much as I could take. Also to try and slowly wean myself out of the boot and crutches.
Now at 9 week post op, I don't wear the boot around the house and I occasionally use just one crutch around the house. When I take the dog out I am only using one crutch and my boot so more or less fwb and I'm walking roughly 2.5miles 3 times a day. I am very comfortable driving again now and my ankle give me no issues in doing so. My ankle is still stiff but slowly easing, the pain is bearable, some days better than others. I keep doing the exercises and I only take pain meds as and when required