Postoperative recovery: general facts
Following surgery, a bandage and a cam boot will be fitted to the leg.
Dr Watson will review your wound at 2 weeks in his rooms.
You can’t drive for 6 weeks following surgery
You should take DVT prevention medication for 6 weeks following the injury. In most patients 100mg of Aspirin is sufficient. In patients with higher risk for DVT, a stronger blood thinner will be provided.
No walking on the foot is permitted until the wound is reviewed 2 weeks after surgery. At that time you will be allowed to walk in a walking boot.
It will take about 3 months before the ankle starts to feel comfortable. Ankle swelling will generally persist for about 9-12 months.
The specific Post-Operative Course will vary slightly according to fracture pattern and the bone quality, but the following general rule apply:
Day 1
• Foot is wrapped in bulky bandage and cam boot, ice, elevate, take pain medication.
• Expect numbness in foot 12-24 hours.
- Some bloody drainage through bandage is expected.
2 weeks
• First follow-up in the rooms, dressing changed, sutures are removed.
• A removable camboot can be removed for excercises and showering. Please start movement of the ankle out of the boot.
• You can shower
Full walking in boot is permitted, as long as the wound is pristine.
6 weeks
• Start stationary bike. No resistance.
• Start physical therapy for a few months to get back strength and movement.
• Do not walk without the boot unless instructed.
• You will probably need the boot for 3-6 more weeks.
• An ankle brace is used once the boot is discontinued.
9-12 weeks
• Boot is discontinued and activity as tolerated is begun.
• Continue with physical therapy as needed.
Examples of how we fix ankle fractures
The number of plates and screws will be tailored specifically for your fracture.
Lateral Malleolar Only (Fibula only)
Trimalleolar (Fibular and Tibia in 2 places)
Syndesmotic injury (Connection between the 2 bones)