Post ORIF surgery, tibia feels like it's 'popping' out of place

Foot care
1

hi everyone,

so I broke my ankle 29th December 2019, surgery 30th discharged 31st. I’d been recovering really well until a couple of days ago. I’ve somehow overstretched and found myself in pain, and limping again. that has since subsided, but I think I can feel the tibia bone ‘popping’ in and out of place. I noticed this morning that when laying in bed, I had my right leg bent up, and put my surgery leg propped behind the knee at my ankle. I noticed that it felt like as I sort of pressed on the plate I felt my tibia bone move, then when I lifted my leg it popped back into place.

I’ve a plate on the outside of my fibula, and one screw is going across into my tibia. It also weirdly feels like the plate is curving outwards, which I’m fairly certain isn’t possible.

my question is should i be worried? as the swelling has also gotten worse. it was feeling fine until 2 days ago. I’ve never broken anything before either.

2

If you are concerned call your doctor. In the meantime elevate and ice as much as possible. I was still a mess three months out from a trimalleolar fracture. The healing process with a plate and screws is a long and arduous. Take care

3

Sounds like maybe you broke the syndesmotic screw going through to your tibia. if thats the case its fairly common but will require intervention.
Call your dr asap but i doubt you did anything serious considering the way it happened. good luck!

4

Yes Call your doctor Better to be safe than sorry
Im 9 months post op and even tho Im back to majority of my routine the ankle still runs my day
All my best