How long does it take for incision to heal after ankle surgery?
Ankle surgery recovery takes time—typically at least six weeks, depending on the type of surgery and the severity of the injury. Recovery downtime is inevitable, but there are steps you can take to help move along the healing process.
Where are the incisions for ankle surgery?
Exposing your small lower leg bone (fibula) usually requires a straight lateral incision about ten to 12 centimeters long made on the back and outside of your ankle. Usually a smaller incision, about five to six centimeters, is made on the inside part of your ankle to allow access to the bony knob (medial malleolus).
How long is recovery from plate and screws in ankle?
Recovery After Ankle Fracture Surgery Major procedures may require a patient to stay a day or two in the hospital after the surgery has been performed. Bones take at least six weeks to heal, with severe fractures taking up to 12 weeks to heal.
Do screws stay in after ankle surgery?
Most people do not have problems with the plate and screws. In rare cases, the plate and screws can cause some pain or irritation. When this happens, the hardware may be removed after the fracture is healed, about a year from the original surgery.
Can you feel the screws in your ankle?
In most instances, these screws and plates do not create symptoms and remain permanently in the foot. However, in some patients, hardware can become prominent or irritate a nearby tendon or other soft tissues. Some patients also complain of achiness in the foot or ankle related to weather changes.
Does it hurt to walk after ankle surgery?
The fracture is united (healed) and you can resume normal activity but be guided by any pain you are experiencing. You should be able to carry out day to day activities although difficult tasks/long walks may cause discomfort and swelling.
Do screws in bone hurt?
You might feel some pain, swelling or discomfort. Don’t worry, it’s normal. Your bone fracture was repaired thanks to the application of plates and screws used in orthopedic surgery. It might help to rest your limb on a pillow, and this will probably reduce your pain.