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What Does This X-ray Report Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 4 Nov 2015

Question: Hi
I had dislocated my ankle and broke my fibula. I had surgery 4 weeks ago and had a plate and 6 screws put in it plus a long screw from the tibia to fibula (in a cast below knee). The Xray looks like the fibula is misaligned however surgeon states it will heal an remodel. Is this true?
I am non weight bearing, however, will rest foot on floor, sleep on side and use a knew scooter. Is this ok? How much pressure or stress will affect the screws?
Sorry I meant knee scooter used. My surgeon states this will heal fine. Just want other opinion.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This x ray looks good

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your x rays and i think this x ray shows good surgery. This fracture will unite in two months time. Therefore I will not be worried about misalignment at this point.

One screw which is holding both bone is called syndesmotic screw and it needs removal after 3 to 4 months or earlier.

I would suggest you to avoid putting any load on foot for 2 more weeks. Syndesmotic screw can break with pressure. So after 6 weeks you can start partial weight bearing. Do not be worry about fibula as this fracture will heal easily.

Let me know if there is any other followup questions.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (21 hours later)

Thank you.

Another couple of question.

Can I put my bad leg knee up on a chair or my knee scooter? I am not standing on my bad foot. Just gives me a break off the crutches.

When I sleep on like to sleep on my sides with pillow. This will not affect my cast or healing?

Just nervous, not sure how much stress will hurt the screws.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Keep your leg elevated over pillow

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
yes you can keep it on pillow or take sides during sleeping. When you are awake then you can use pillow to keep leg elevated. Just do not put feet on ground. Otherwise your screws are fixed enough to take care of small movement.
Thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (10 hours later)

Hi another question

When I stand up and walk with my crutches is it normal for my toes to get really red and purple under my nwb foot in cast? Is that circulation?

I try to wiggle my toes regularly, however the smaller two toes feel stiff? Is this normal.

I guess I am 4 weeks post op as of today so will have lots of different pains.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (25 hours later)

Brief Answer:
These are minor issues

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Change in colour of toes or stiffness is not a serious problem. This is quite common with any surgery. For fracture to become completely pain free, it needs around two months. So, you will be feeling pain on and off on movement. But in case you are having burning sensation in that area or any fever, then consult your doctor at the earliest.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (3 days later)

I attached a picture of my toes today. Everything feel okay. Just the color when my bad foot hangs. 5 weeks since surgery.

Will the color go back to normal as I use the foot more and start weight bearing?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (3 days later)

Brief Answer:
Yes this color will become normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
you do not need to be worried about this as this color will improve with time. You should avoid putting whole weight and just do partial weight bearing.
thanks

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