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Trimalleolar fracture with dislocation 6 years ago and still issues

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Annathie
Annathie

I suffered a trimalleolar fracture with dislocation 6 years ago. I had external fixation for a week till swelling went down, then internal fixation. Had a plate and 11 screws. All but one screw has been removed. I had 4 surgeries in all on it. No physio as the surgeon reckoned I didn't need it. Anyway. I still have issues with pain up the inside of tge ankle and some days when I get up, the pain is pretty bad (but doesn't last). I have real issues with swelling!!! It's awful. My left ankle is regularly twice the size of my right ankle. How can I stop this? It's so ugly!!!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • ihavenonickname
    ihavenonickname Annathie

    Posted

    6 years is a long time to continue with swelling and pain.

    It sounds like an issue with the medial malleous. I suggest you have an ortho take a look see and some xrays to determine what is going on. You may have another fracture

    • Annathie
      Annathie ihavenonickname

      Posted

      I wouldn't think there was another fracture, but definitely think there's an issue with ligaments/tendons, which an x-ray won't show. Just at a loss as to what to do. Dr basically said I have to live with it. I know there's arthritis in the ankle now, but was only the beginnings of it early last year.

    • ihavenonickname
      ihavenonickname Annathie

      Posted

      osteoarthritis is a possibility that should show up on xray which is quicker, cheaper...mri if xray is inconclusive.

      So, if you press on it, does it hurt?

      Can you jump on it?

      If you cause pain when you firmly press, if you cause pain in jumping...you may have a stress fracture.

      Perhaps you might even consider a second opinion...6 years, pain, swelling continuous...

      For now, elevate and ice. Consider support stocking to the knee after the elevation and icing. Get the swelling down, hold the leg in the air for 60 seconds to allow excess fluid to flow towards the heart and slide the stocking on. This compression therapy will reduce the swelling which in turn will reduce the pain.

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