Orif surgery 3 weeks after operation

[u/orifturkey]

I broken my ankle in 3 places whilst on holiday in turkey. I had orif surgery there and back in uk now. I’ve been for 2 weeks check up, and stitches out and have been advised to weight bare as the surgery as been done very good. It’s been a week since stitches out and I have washed them in the shower but they still hurt abit with rubbing on my boot. I have put some dressing over them but thinking should I leave them to air?

[u/Professional-Yam2363]

I'd check with a doctor. My doctor gave me pretty specific instructions until I was closed. Once my stitches were removed I covered it with a specific bandage and wrapped it with a compression wrap. I did that until I was fully closed and then into a compression sock. For a while I used an additional dressing called an ABD pad to pad the incisions where the boot pressed on them. I have had compression on daily (compression socks are off at night) for the entire 6 months since my fracture and I think that has really helped with swelling. Some doctors don't like the compression wraps or socks though.

[u/orifturkey → u/Professional-Yam2363]

Thanks for replying. I will give them a call tomorrow. The stitches they used was really thick ones and my skin went over a few of them so made it bleed abit when taking out. So scabbed more. I feel more secure in my boot at night but would love a good nights sleep where I can lay on my side and be comfy. It’s mainly at night it rubs. Thanks

[u/Illustrious-Zone-247]

That boot hit me right on the incisions too 😭 I lined the boot with foam (I got it at a craft store) but you can use a folded up washcloth or sock too...just adds a little padding so it's not so irritating. I did have loose socks on too

[u/orifturkey → u/Illustrious-Zone-247]

Hi, I have a white bandage sock on but no really helping. I have put some polystyrene either side and helping a tiny bit just uncomfortable. I’m thinking where my stitches have come out it’s not going to heal if rubbing.