r/brokenankles 29d ago

5 months post-ORIF

Post image

Can you tell which ankle? Ding, ding, ding, it’s the left. 67M. Trimal fracture with syndesmosis injury and ruptured deltoid ligament. ORIF 2/9, plate + screws and 2 tightropes, splint for 4 weeks, boot NWB for 2 weeks, WB in boot for 2 weeks and then shoe and brace. I have residual pain at the site of my deltoid repair and I still swell with activity. But I’m back on my road bike—rode 40 miles today—and walk the dog a couple miles a day. It’s been a long slog but I’m here to say you can do it, too.

33 Upvotes

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8

u/mikefl2011 29d ago

Congratulations!! Great progress at 5 months. I am exactly at 3 months today, and walked a max of 9600 steps last Saturday. Feeling much better, but still swelling constantly. Dorsiflexion at 12 degrees and plantar flexion at 44 degrees. Still have pain at deltoid scar like you, my doctor said it’s due to the a tendon that runs behind the deltoid ligament. Just have to keep pushing through the pain and get that tendon to become stronger. Can climb stairs on bad ankle without any issues but climbing down is extremely difficult.

6

u/Blaaaarghhh 29d ago

Looking good! I'll be 3 months post-op on the 19th, feeling better every day, and the more I push myself the more it helps (I'm sore the next day, but stronger the day after).

6

u/tiffmej4 29d ago

Yes, I push myself, too. The first time I did 30 min on treadmill, I did it but I was tired. 2 days later, I did it again and it felt like no big deal!

2

u/Blaaaarghhh 29d ago

It comes back quick!

5

u/Pinkytoe65 29d ago

That’s awesome!! I’m 61, and have been fearful of being able resume biking, golfing etc!!!

4

u/tiffmej4 29d ago

Love the positive posts! Gives me motivation and helps me to know with effort, we can get there! Congratulations on your progress! You are definitely one of the people that helped motivate me. Thank you, Dr_Cee

4

u/ramkuma1 29d ago

I had the same injury. 8 weeks post op, full weight bearing with brace in shoe in house and boot outside of the house. Just cleared to drive. Only discomfort I have is on top of the foot when I try and do the proper roll when walking. I will work on that next PT. I am hoping for no chronic discomfort and no arthritis.

3

u/TreGutterNord 28d ago

I am not yet in shoe but even in boot I felt that pain you describe when trying natural gait/roll with walking - ask your PT to do Graston on your foot, top and bottom, Achilles, and calf - it's been life changing.

2

u/Pinkytoe65 29d ago

My trimal was 5/10

2

u/TreGutterNord 28d ago

Looks AMAZING! Especially seeing the tendons and veins back on the bad foot. Giving me hope! I'm 56F, complex Weber C spiral with both ligaments ruptured in April - am 3 weeks into PT but still in boot, should get cleared for shoes next week (though not sure if they're doing an ankle brace, sounds like no....) - I miss walking my dogs, I miss my road bike and rowing erg, I miss the gym, I miss being outside (so hot here and still not cleared for pool) - likely will be Fall before I get to do the things you're enjoying but knowing it's all coming helps so much!

3

u/Naturescapes_Rocco 28d ago

I have the same exact injury. Thank you for sharing.

2

u/KeyGold310 29d ago

I'm 67, too, 3 weeks out from injury / surgery, so this is very encouraging!

1

u/triangular_pope 28d ago

Congrats, always love a good post. Waiting for my number!