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Can Artiflex Bandage Be Used On A Wound After Removing Stitches?

Posted on Tue, 15 Sep 2015

Question: My father had an accident 2 weeks back and had been operated for Open Reduction Internal Bimalleolar on 08-08-2015. Now after two weeks i.e. 25-08-2015 stitches have been removed and Artiflex plaster has been placed on the affected area, could you please help me with the following:
1)Is the Artiflex plaster is light weight plaster and good for use in this season
2)what all precautions that he need to take care
3)How long does it take to cut the plaster
4)Normally in ORIF procedures patient able to walk in how many weeks?
5)What must be done in case of itching in that area

Thanks,

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Details below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
1. Artiflex is a light weight and tough plaster good for use in any season. It provides complete immobilization of the affected joint. He can even walk on it.
2. He needs to keep the leg elevated on two pillows while resting to avoid any swelling. Do not walk too much. Keep the toes moving.
3. The plaster should be there for 3-4 weeks. After that it is cut.
4. It depends on the healing capacity of the patient. At the age of 72, he should be able to walk in 6-8 weeks after proper physiotherapy exercises.
5. Try to keep the area dry. Do not itch or put anything inside the cast for itching. It can cause wounds and skin damage. You can put in some talcum powder for relief.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (15 hours later)

Many thanks for the response, could you please let me know about the side effects of Open Reduction Internal Bimalleolar as there is no X-Ray done yesterday, is it mandatory to have the x-ray done in between 3-4 weeks as planning to have x-ray done at the time of plaster cut probably after 40-45days time. Please suggest in case of wrong understanding, what kind of physiotherapy exercises are required and for what duration does he need to do that.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Details below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Since it was an open reduction, there is no need of an X-ray immediately after the surgery. You can get an X-ray done after the cast is removed. The risks of the surgery include infection, fever, pain , joint stiffness, etc. All these risks are present with any kind of surgery or an injury.
Right now he can do non weight bearing physiotherapy exercises to maintain a good blood flow to his healing foot.
After the cast is removed regular physiotherapy is needed for 4-6 weeks to reduce the joint stiffness and to regain the lost muscle strength.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (27 minutes later)

Thanks for reply, kindly share the link for physiotherapy exercises if possible.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You will have to consult a physiotherapist.

Detailed Answer:
It is better to personally consult a physiotherapist for proper exercises that are required according to the problem. Online exercises are for healthy individuals. The extent of pressure that needs to be put cannot be determined online. It is better to go to a physiotherapy clinic.
Regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar