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I'm 5 weeks post the ORIF.

Posted , 5 users are following.

kilanyworld
kilanyworld

I had a ORIF surgery 5 weeks ago, I appreciate your quick answers to the following questions. 

1) When should I start WB? next week? 

2) When should I start PT? 

3) usually when patients start walking normally without limping?

 

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • amanda84923
    amanda84923 kilanyworld

    Posted

    1) I broke my ankle in 3 places and dislocated it. I had ORIF surgery. I was NWB for 6 weeks. At my 6 week appointment I was put in a boot and told I could start WB as tolerated. I had to keep the boot on when walking for 6 more weeks and then I was told I could move to shoes.

    2). I started PT when I was put in a boot and allowed to start weight bearing.

    3). Totally depends on the person. I'm 17 weeks post op and I've been in regular shoes walking for 5 weeks. I still have a limp, though it is getting better every day. 

  • Jaxonlaura
    Jaxonlaura kilanyworld

    Posted

    I had ORIF with fixationto both sides of ankle for bimalleolar and fractured fibula. I was  allowed to start weight bearing at 6 weeks post op when my cast came off. I was so stiff and the range of movement was so minimal, despite physio it took me realistically till about 10 weeks to walk with weight through it and only a very short distance at that and still with crutches. It took me till about 14-15 weeks to start walking more effectively without a limp and no crutches. However now at 18 weeks I walk fine but after a while on my feet a slight limp comes back when my ankle is getting tired. 

    I started physio at about 8 weeks and am still having it now to carry on working on the joint and it’s range of motion. Get to some physio as soon as you can and regularly. It seems everyone’s recovery is very different.

    Good luck, at times I thought I would never walk again and got quite down but I’m through it now. 

  • cryssy28
    cryssy28 kilanyworld

    Posted

    Ask your doc. I had ORIF on 3/13/18. Broken distal tib-fib.have 2 screws by the knee ,a big titanium rod,and 3 screws around the ankle. I have been in a cam boot since surgery,20% WB. I have PT 2x a week and that started when I came home 2 days after surgery, ypour ortho shoukd dictate your schedule.
    • kilanyworld
      kilanyworld cryssy28

      Posted

      Thank you, 

       When did you start WB 20%? and when do you expect to start WB 100%? are you going to remove the big 2 screws?

    • cryssy28
      cryssy28 kilanyworld

      Posted

      I have been 20% since out of surgery. My PT said I will prob be FWB as tolerated next time I go back for xrays,that will be the 30th. I wear the cam boot when I go outside or whenever im out of bed. I'm still on ice and elevate. I would like the hardware to come out,but ortho already told me next year,if he takes them out at all. The rod doesnt bother me,its the 3 screws at the ankle. The 2 on the insiee part bug me. I have learned to be pateient,my PT said he fully expects me walking mostly unaided by July. I was able to wiggle my toes right after surgery. I do ROM heel and toe raises. Also knee raises(he said think about going stairs),ialso extend my leg without bending while holding my walker. Keeping the ankle less stiff as possible will help when u get FWB. I still swell badly in the ankle and foot if down too long,although that horrendous pain stopped aroubd week 3

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