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Broken ankle tibia + Fibula - plates and screws problems

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sue61444
sue61444

I broke my ankle a bit over 3 months ago. 7 screws and plate in the fibula and broke the bottom of the tibia off and a screw to hold it back on. Great after the op but the latest xray shows the tibia has moved and is hanging off with hardly any screw in it.

 I was very active  ( broke it bushwalking) and speed windsurf so want an ankle I can relpy on to continue doing these.

 Local Gp says not a good idea to have another op as more problems and to adjust activiities.

 I don't want to do that. Anyone else had to have the tibia rescrewed back in alignment ? If so how did it go and recovery etc?

 I'm slowly walking with a limp. Still no good going down stairs. problems with swelling. Stayed on anti imflammatories too long and had an internal bleed and could have died but thats back ok now.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • jan30278
    jan30278 sue61444

    Posted

    I am so sorry to hear of your problems.  I have the same injury but my surgery was just a month ago.  Still in cast- so have not had another xray yet.  I was active too- this is driving me nuts, but I know it is temporary.  I have seen so much about longterm issues and yours is a good example.  Have you gotten a 2nd opinion as to another surgery?  That may be something to consider.....  I hope you are able to get some more function.  
    • sue61444
      sue61444 jan30278

      Posted

      I was lucky in that I only ever had a bandage and no cast so I could move my toes etc.

      My chiro seems to think the ankle is stable as it is but the broken peicec could cause issues with things .I'm booked in to see the specialist on Sept 8th.

      It's been 14 weeks and I've been working hard with exercises , exercise bike , walking etc . It's going ok although pain and swelling.

      I'm hoping I won't need another op but if leaving it as it is will mean I have issues the rest of my life  I prefer to fix it.

      I had the original op through the public systaem which means post op a hospital ortho team have looked after me and the original specilaist who did the op hasn't seen me. I'm going to go back to him and see what he thinks. Xray straight after the op was perfect.

    • jan30278
      jan30278 sue61444

      Posted

      I hope you do not need more surgery- and I for sure agree though- I would go thru surgery again if needed.  I will be anxious to see the followup xray in 3 weeks.  LIke yours, mine was reportedly perfect after surgery.  I can move my toes, but the entire foot feels numb- though i was told that is normal.  Kudos to you for doing all the hard work to make it better- I guess the saying goes- "no pain, no gain"-   Keep up the great attitude and I will be anxiousl to hear what the Ortho specialist has to offer.  Thank you for sharing.

  • sue61444
    sue61444

    Posted

    Warning- I should have known better and am usually very careful with painkiller and anti imflammatory use but I've never had an operation before. I stayed on the anti imflammatories for 3 months and got an ulcer and internal bleed.

     It was only luck that I went into the hospital as the symptoms were similar to many I have had often before - heart palpitations ( checked out and harmless) light headed , bit dizzy , no energy etc. I only went into emergancy in case it was heart related.

     Dr saif one more day and i would have been dead.

     So far 2 blood transfusions + an iron one + stomach scope and upteen visits to drs and specialists.

    Never allowed to use anti imflammatories again and on pills to reduce acid and line the stomach ( for at least 2 months). Apparently you can use them for a while but only if you use the other stomach lining drugs at the same time under supervision.

    I got my first script at hospital then another with one dr then went back and he wasnt available so got another via a new dr. No one picked up I'd been on them so long. I had bloating , heartburn etc symptons but put that down to painkiller side effects..and they did go when I got off the painkillers but it would have been the ulcer,

    • sue61444
      sue61444

      Posted

      Back to the specialist at 4 months and a few days mark. he seems to think the foot is solid - said if I was a footballer he'd tell me to 'get back out there". Followup in 6 months and if bone fragments cause pain they can scrape them away.

       Registrar also said that the tibia only had one screw in it becuase its only a small bone ..this can allow it to rotate as it heals..need extra to lock it in place.

      So it looks like full steam ahead with the rehab to get a full range of motion. At the moment I have trouble going down stairs as the leg is restricted from bending far forward.I have done an 18km cycle no hassles and kayak but walking is the archilles heel..done 6kms but pain all the way.

       A bad head cold now so not feeling up to doing much at all..

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