6 Months Post ORIF was doing great! Now suddenly Increased pain and difficulty walking?
Posted , 7 users are following.
Hello! I had ORIF on my ankle after a trimalleolar fracture that resulted in emergency surgery. (They weren't able to set the ankle prior to surgery). I was in a boot for nearly 9 weeks. Was FWB after that came off and completed about 6 weeks of 2x weekly PT. I was doing great...walking up to 5 miles...back at the gym...really doing anything i wanted. I still had some discomfort and some swelling but not taking even Tylenol.
Just 5 days ago I noticed a little more stiffness in the ankle. It progressed to more pain and swelling and now I am having sharp pains at the site where my screws are on the inside of my ankle. The plate and screws on the outside really don't bother me. It's to the point where I am using a cane again to walk.
I have an appointment in a week to follow up with the surgeon (first available) but I'm beginning to wonder if I need to have the hardware removed. Why would this start now? Anyone else experience anything similar?
0 likes, 10 replies
Lulu_1949 audrey28572
Posted
yes my son went through all that pain, had them taken out and had a total replacement ankle but unfortunately the pain is still there and they are looking at what else to do now. good luck with yours.
Kaymac68 audrey28572
Posted
I had ORIF Mar 27, April 30 was told all ok and to FWB I tried and did weeks of physio 3x per week, then about 2 months ago they did a CT scan and found that the bone at the back of the ankle was still broken, there were no screws or plates put on that part, so back to NWB and put on a bone stimulator to promote healing, but I also still get that jabbing pain on the inner ankle if I do put weight on it, I believe its the screws on the inner ankle causing it, but Dr says it should be fine. I go back on the 23rd for a check up. I would be very interested what your Dr says and what treatment they recommend. Please keep me posted.
Lulu_1949 Kaymac68
Posted
thanks will keep you posted
audrey28572 Kaymac68
Posted
I actually managed to get an appointment with the surgeon's PA for this afternoon. Did bloodwork this morning to check for infection. I'll let you know!
Kaymac68 audrey28572
Posted
Did you get anywhere with your appointment yesterday? Do they have an idea of what is causing the pain?
audrey28572 Kaymac68
Posted
Sorry I didn't update sooner. It appears that the medial maleous fracture either didn't heal fully and i have irritated it or refractured. There is still a clear fracture showing there.
So, in a boot for the past week, non weight bearing if needed but weight bearing in the boot as tolerated.
Will see them again tomorrow for a follow up.
Kaymac68 audrey28572
Posted
Oh no, thats not good news, hopefully staying off it will help it to heal! i wonder if they will out you in a bone growth stimulator? I see the surgeon this coming Tuesday, I hope to get some answers. I it still hurts when there is any weight on it, so frustrating! Good luck tomorrow, hopefully there is progress !
Kaymac68
Posted
Just an FYI, I am having surgery next week, a bone graft, plate and screws for back of the ankle that wasn't healing. They are also going to remove the screws and plate that were put in Mrch 27, so starting over...cast for another 6 weeks. I hope and pray this works finally!
Kaymac68 audrey28572
Posted
Great, thank you! Hope it turns out well!
LdyVivienne audrey28572
Posted
HEY,
I am not a doc but i have had something close to what you are describing. Turns out I was having a reaction to the metal in the plates and screws. My body had decided that it was a foreign body and stared to make s lot of scar tissue around the hardware. I go in next week to get everything removed since it is causing me problems.
I also had a bone spur develop in the joint of the ankle. That has also caused some ROM limitations and pain.
Like I said not a doc but maybe some food for thought.
Viv