ORIF ankle surgery rehab

Foot care
1

Hi everyone!!

On October 23rd I fractured my fibula doing a cheerleading stunt. Went to the ER where they took xrays, casted me, and told me to follow up with orthopedics. Orthopedics decided I would need ORIF surgery to correct the break but wanted my swelling to go down a little. I had surgery on October 31st at 5 am (GREAT way to spend Halloween!!). I was in extreme pain when I woke up from anesthesia and received a nerve block (which did not help me much at all), 3 doses of fentanyl, and 2 percocets. First couple days sucked and since then I’ve had good and bad days. At my two-week post-op appointment my doctor was super impressed with the healing so far and I was put into an aircast that is removable. I was told non weight bearing for at least four more weeks until my next follow up appointment.

MY MAIN QUESTION- How has recovery gone for everyone else? Honestly, before my 2 2 week follow up appointment, I had already kind of started walking on my cast (after much research and making sure it wasn’t painful). I have still been weight bearing in my air cast and it feels good and my range of motion is improving. I am pushing to be able to compete at UCA College Cheer Nationals in mid-January. I’m hoping someone has a similar story and was able to be fully functional within 3 months of injury (long shot I know!). Any help or advice is appreciated!! I’ve attached pictures for reference!!image image

2

uh oh, be careful, the bone healing process takes 4-6 weeks, that’s why doc said do not put weight on in it. you are really risking it doing that.

3

This is the research article I read that says it is okay to weight bear as tolerated after an ORIF surgery vs the classic 6 weeks non weight bearing!

4

Yes there are conflicting studies, but your own doctor said don’t do it. Weight bear or not, your bone does not miraculously heal in a few weeks, it’s a process. Have you read about those who have nonunion fractures, I’ve seen them in this forum. 6 weeks vs. months on end, it’s a risk that some of us didn’t want to take despite being antsy to get going. No one can say you will or won’t be ok, but I guess you have to put faith in your doctor that you are being guided properly. Doesn’t sound like you are listening anyhow lol. My doc said DON’T YOU DARE! I didn’t, it healed, still hurts 8 months later, but I can walk! :slight_smile: Mine is actually still swollen, frustrating, but surgeon said it will be about one year until it feels better - can’t wait for that! Honestly just by looking at your ankle, it looks far less swollen than mine is still - we are all so different. Good luck, be careful!