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Broken screw after ankle ORIF

Posted , 2 users are following.

fjessee
fjessee

Hi everyone. This forum has been great framing my recovery. I had ORIF with 6 screws and a plate for a dislocated ankle and fib fracture. Sept 7 2016. My six week checkup was perfect, but at my 12 week, I had broken a screw and my ankle was *slightly dislocated. I noticed some stiffness and more swelling about a week before the 12 week, which I suspect is from the broken screw.

My doctor advised me if the tib/fib gap widens any more I will need to have the surgery redone, check back in 3 months. He said the other screw is in place and the one broken screw only increases the unlikely chance it will have to be redone.

Has anyone had a similar experience?

Thank you

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Pam069
    Pam069 fjessee

    Posted

    What screw was broken? From the plate? Or syndesmotic screw?
    • Pam069
      Pam069 fjessee

      Posted

      Hmmm I have 2 syndesmotic screws as well and was given the go ahead to bear weight as well! My screws will not come out till at least 12week mark, I am 7 weeks now. My surgeon told me it's ok if they break. At what point where you told that you could bear weight? Maybe someone else with some explanation can give some advice....

    • fjessee
      fjessee Pam069

      Posted

      Hey! Best of luck!! I was weight bearing as tolerated 6 weeks after surgery, but they said I healed remarkably well. My PT said my recovery weight bearing has also gone incredibly well. When the screw broke, I had some discomfort and swelling, but it is subsiding. My doc said the screws will break eventually and it is ok. I'm just a bit surprised one broke so quickly and there is a slight dislocation. Anyway, if it's any help after 6 weeks, things got MUCH BETTER smile hope it does for you too

  • ihavenonickname
    ihavenonickname fjessee

    Posted

    Were you weight bearing before twelve weeks?

    I was non weight bearing for twelve weeks...had one hugh staple and two hugh screws both on an angle.

    So sorry for you. Warm hug.

  • patti123
    patti123 fjessee

    Posted

    When I was doing my initial ankle break research (and did it nine months ago for about 2 months straight), I remember reading that lots of syndesmotic screws break. As I recall, it wasn't a bit deal usually, but I would do some internet searches and I think you will find the info too.

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