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Recent ORIF surgery timeline

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robR
robR

I’m a 35 year old male and on 3/31/18 I broke my fibula, displaced my fibula/tibia and partially tore one of the ligaments that runs between fib/rib  spiking a volleyball (got caught in the net and knocked off balance). I had surgery on 4/11/18 and had a screw inserted to secure my fibula fracture and had a Tightrope (wire run through fibula and tibia) to fix the displacement. I had a painful couple of days post surgery, but by day three the pain had mostly subsided, and I stopped taking pain medicine. I was given a splint that I was told I could take off as needed, but I’ve worn it  exactly twice and have gone splint free about 95% of the time after the ORIF surgery. Swelling and bruising  went down significantly around five days after surgery and I started to wear my running  shoes (definitely NOT running—or walking) when leaving the house (with of course crutches). I returned to work (I’m a teacher) about a week after surgery (4/19). I tried to elevate during my conference and lunch, but wasn’t always able to, came home with some swelling, but no pain. I’m supposed to get a walking boot on the 27th and start some possible weight bearing. I’ve stayed very active through this and have lifted weights daily and do leg raises with my injured leg, I try to flex my calf as much as possible and do minor ROM exercises with my foot/ankle. I’ve read a lot about weight bearing being okay after ORIF but I’m waiting for my appointment on the 27th, where I get my walking boot, plus my stitches removed. My ankle feels minimal pain and feels solid, but I’m avoiding as much as possible being impatient and trying to do too much too soon. For those who have had this type of injury, what can I expect in the coming weeks?

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2 Replies

  • kilanyworld
    kilanyworld robR

    Posted

    I wish you  a quick recorvery, I'm on 6 weeks post the ORIF, I am not sure if your doc recommended you to start WB after 16 days? my surgeon recommends that I start WB after Week 6 with Air boot. 

  • tricia09818
    tricia09818 robR

    Posted

    Had the boot from week two, no weight bearing  until week 6. Then is partial weight bearing with boot/crutches, then progressive weight bearing with boot/one crutch (opposite side of injury) then total weight bearing with boot, then total weight bearing in shoes.  The total wb with shoes happened at 11 weeks.  I’m at 15 weeks now and I feel my gait is finally normal for the most part and it’s comfortable to walk most of the time. There is still some swelling and ache at the end of a 12 hour shift at work, but I’ve noticed great improvement this last week. 

    My recommendation is that you start physical therapy ASAP and follow the instructions of your dr and therapist to the letter. You will have a better outcome. Ice and elevate after your workday. It’s a long process but there is a light at the end of the tunnel (finally!)

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