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Had Malloelus Surgical Fixation. Did The Ankle Heal?

Posted on Wed, 30 Oct 2013

Question: 10 weeks post op of my medial malloelus surgical fixation i wonder if my ankle healed correctly
i have accatched 2 x-rays
onr is after 2 weeks post op and
the other is after 10 weeks post op
plz tell what is my status

Answered by Dr. Moustafa Saeed (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Not fully

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for your question.

Looking at the X-rays it seems the fracture has not fully healed yet.

But needs to check clinicaly as well:

Are you still using plaster or special boot?
Is it painful to walk full weight bearing?
Is the ankle tender to touch on the inside?
Do yo smoke, how many a day?
Do you take steroids?
Are you diabetic?

Please get back to me with your answers

Kind regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Moustafa Saeed (2 hours later)

im a 24 year old male
non smoker, no diabetes, definitely no steroids
i was toe touch weight bearing at 6 th week and total weight bearing from 8 th week
its been 10 weeks after surgery
the ankle is still slightly swollen even after the plaster cast removal and tender to touch and slighly pains if i tap the area with the fingers
during walking i experience minute pain like sensation and the pain slowely rises up the ankle if i walk longer
the doctor only told to move the ankle up and down and not left and right

Answered by Dr. Moustafa Saeed (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
details below

Detailed Answer:
The swelling is expected but you should be able to walk without pain by now.
Take it easy with walking for another 4 weeks then repeat X-ray

Wish you speedy recovery

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Moustafa Saeed (11 hours later)

there ia no pain while walking a short distance but when walking for more than 10 minutes at a stretch then i can feel little bit of pain, not on my screw but upwards ankle
but while walking there is always little discomfort is thia normal

Answered by Dr. Moustafa Saeed (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
details below

Detailed Answer:
Discomfort can happen even if fracture fully healed, but as you are able to walk 10 minutes without pain, then this is a good sign.
The swelling may take another month to settle.

I will still repeat x- XXXXXXX after 6 weeks but ask for standing ( weight bearing) views to see how the joint look while standing.

All the best

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad