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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Foot On Cast After Broken Ankle While Playing. Due For Surgery. Explain Why Surgery Was Not Done Rightaway

My friend broke his ankle playing basketball. I haven't gotten to talk to him that much after but last time I spoke with him he has his foot on cast already however he mentioned something about getting a surgery a few weeks after. I'm really wondering why the surgery wasn't done rightaway. I haven't had the chance to speak with him yet. I'm just curious
Mon, 2 Sep 2013
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi and thanks for the query,

There are some complications. like infectious and oedema complications can easily complicate surgery, especially when there is swelling. IT is usually needed to put the foot on a cast for swelling or eodema to reduce before the surgical intervention is undertaken. Also, this usually give time to the surgical team to prepare itself, and also for some pre surgical tests to be done like clotting profile, in order to correct any parameters that could complicate surgery.

Thanks and hope this helps. Kind regards,

Bain LE, MD
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

The soft tissue envelope around the ankle is very thin and in an acute setting of a fracture with huge amount of swelling, there is every possibility of skin necrosis and wound complications (infection) following immediate surgery. So, generally definitive surgery is postponed till the soft tissue swelling resolves which takes around 5-7 days in case of ankle injuries.

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Foot On Cast After Broken Ankle While Playing. Due For Surgery. Explain Why Surgery Was Not Done Rightaway

Hi and thanks for the query, There are some complications. like infectious and oedema complications can easily complicate surgery, especially when there is swelling. IT is usually needed to put the foot on a cast for swelling or eodema to reduce before the surgical intervention is undertaken. Also, this usually give time to the surgical team to prepare itself, and also for some pre surgical tests to be done like clotting profile, in order to correct any parameters that could complicate surgery. Thanks and hope this helps. Kind regards, Bain LE, MD