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Open ankle fracture

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maryleigh72
maryleigh72

9 weeks ago I fell off the side of the steps resulting in an open ankle fracture. The ER stitched it up and sent me home...72 hours later I saw ortho was sent straight to hospital admitted and sent to the first of my 3 surgeries and skin graft. At this point I was less than 24 hours away from my leg being amputated due to the severe infection. I am still non weight barring and will be having another skin graft in a couple weeks. Anyone else have any experience with a open fracture?? Recovery time? Recovery results?

0 likes, 2 replies

2 Replies

  • maria91056
    maria91056 maryleigh72

    Posted

    Hello there?

    You have been through alot...i too had an open fracture to my ankle did this on the 3rd January this year. Didnt have a cast had an external fixator for 6 weeks and then a air boot non weigh bearing for 15 weeks then physio/hydrotherapy and finaly ankle classes. I didnt experience any problems during this time apparently all healed well. However i walk with a limp dorsel flex is stopping me and pain is shocking if im on my feet all day (thank god i kept the crutches) most days i do all the jobs i need and care for kids very well...hopefully its true and time will help me heal more as i was reminded today ive only been walking without boot/aids 5/6 months...this made me feel better as sometimes i do feel sad but i always remember how far ive come like being able to actually stand up😊

    Hope your journey goes well love maria

  • MSK2017
    MSK2017 maryleigh72

    Posted

    Hi Maryleigh,

    On the 4th of July I fell and suffered an open fracture of my ankle and fractured the other ankle as well.  Did not have immediate surgery and was placed in a splint until trauma surgeon could operate. Three weeks after the fall, the surgeon operated but two weeks after surgery  I developed a terrible infection and was hospitalized for a week with two additional procedures performed.  I had IV antibiotic infusions for 42 days.  Am now walking with an airboot and going to PT.  Right now, I’m feeling fortunate to be able to walk but this was a painful experience.  The hardware in my ankle is extensive and uncomfortable but it was necessary. 

    At 9 weeks I was still NWB and wasn’t  allowed to walk until 12 weeks in. My husband and son cared for me which was a humbling experience. I had never broken a bone, I am 55 years old and I’ve always been fiercely independent. 

    Did not need a skin graft as you did and I’m sure that was a very bad experience. From what I have read, infections  can happen quickly in these wounds and as you know can be pretty terrible. 

    It just takes time to allow your body to do its work. Be careful not to fall when you begin walking and be patient with yourself.  Hopefully you are much younger than I am and will heal more quickly. 

    How many bones did you break? Were tendons torn as well? 

    Hoping for good outcome for you and very little pain. 

    Karen 

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