Hello, I fractured and dislocated my ankle on Jan 25,2018. The next day my doctor informed me that surgery was necessary. I had plate and screws fused to my fibula. Currently, I have three days of treatment at physical therapy. My foot and ankle still swells. I am very frustrated with the aftermath of my ankle injury. I feel that I am going to live the rest of my life limping. I want to know if anyone gotten the hardware removed ? If so, how long it took for you to recover? Have you experienced any improvement with walking and standing? Have your range of motion improved? Thanks for your response😊
I’m so sorry, I feel your pain. I did same thing to my ankle on 3/27. I feel like I will never be normal again. I am curious to hear if hardware removal helped as well. I don’t want another surgery but wonder if it would help any. My range of motion is sooooo limited.
Sorry to hear about your ankle and the unfortunate aftermath of your ankle injury.
I had ORIF surgery over a year ago and am still bothered with constant pain and limping on my ankle as well.
I have thought about hardware removal, but was told I may not be able get my screw removed, as it may be in my ankle to hold it together structurally.
Hoping you get some good news and things start to get better for you!
Currently I am 4weeks in with a fractured fibula, dislocation and severed ligaments. I suffered the exact same injury 4 years ago to my opposite ankle. I had the syndemosis screw removed and the plate and pins are still in there. Be sure to continue to do your flexing ankle exercises and elevating it. It is slow going but it does help. I walk fine, i almost have full rotation back and although I never got the full strength back, it didn’t effect my everyday life. It was only noticeable at practice when running drills. Also, get compression socks or you will have cankles forever, lol.
If you search my screen name you can find my posts about having my harware removed. I highly recommend getting the plate and screws removed. Im still playing competive hockey and working my LEO job.
I had ORIF 4 months ago and screws removed a month ago. Removal of screws has definitely helped with ankle rotation. Recovery from this was fast. I walked straight after the surgery. Now I walk normally most of tge time but no more than 2 miles. My ankle does swell up after walking and when I stand a lot. I have been diligent with my exercises but have not had much physio. Recovery takes time and I have been told to be patient so I can only repeat this to you. Good luck
Hi I had an ankle fusion in Jan 2017 and had the screws removed in the April it was the worst operation I have ever had, but that was because the surgeon left it too long. I am a great healer so when he went to find the screws instead of a 10 minute operation it took him over an hour to find the screws. I am so much better with them out.
Even the wet weather doesn't bother me anymore. When I got home (it was day surgery) I was in so much pain I rang the doctor and he said take more pain killers.
Love that.
Thanks for your response. I am happy that your surgery was a success? Were you able to bare full weight on your ankle after surgery?
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Ok , thank you . I will read your forum.
Thanks for your response. That's great your surgery was a success. After surgery, did you had to depend on a walking aid?
Thank you, matthew21895. Feel better. Good luck!
My range of motion is extremely resistant. Sometimes, I feel like I am going to lose my balance and fall again. I hope all goes well with your ankle.
I hope I can become active again. I have gained 10lbs due to not exercising. Thanks for the response. Have a good day.
Keep hitting that physical therapy. When I started pt, it was 30 min of very low impact stuff. When I finished I was busting my ass for an hour and a half. Dont be afraid to tell the therapists to up the work load. PT is your friend.
Thanks for the response.Feel better. I hope that I recover well.
Yes after surgery i was completely NWB for one and a half months. I was 4 months in a cast. I didnot use an aid when i started walking again.
Ok, now I know what to expect.
I honestly can't remember maybe a week non weight bearing.
Best of luck on a quick recovery! 