Question 1

4 month s/p orif trimalleolar fracture of ankle. i have moderate swelling and sharp pain in location of 2 screws. do the screw need to be removed?

Accepted Answer

Painful hardware: Any time there is foreign material, including well intentioned screws used to repair fractures, and the hardware is symptomatic, that hardware should be considered for removal. Metals serve no purpose once bones have healed. This is assuming that bony healing has actually occurred, which is not always the case. See your orthopedic surgeon for his recommendations.

Question 2

i feel a screw protruding slightly from the bottom of a plate inserted to repair a trimalleolar fracture.  is it possible to have that one screw removed or must all the hardware come out?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Most likely you can have one screw removed without jeopardizing the stability of the plate or the repair.

Question 3

i suffered a trimalleolar fracture in april i had hardware put in, screws broke and the doctor says it will be fine but i have a lot of pain and swell?

Accepted Answer

A thought: Acupuncture is sometimes helpful in accelerating healing. It can help to reduce inflammation and pain. You might consider discussing this option with your orthopedic surgeon.

Question 4

what indicators on the x-ray signify that an ankle is ready to be weight-bearing after an orif for a trimalleolar ankle fracture? (no gaps, etc)

Accepted Answer

Signs for healing: On xray the fracture site will appear healed in 3 different views... meaning new bone growth is seen overlying the fracture site... and yes no gaps present!

Question 5

how long (roughly) does the pain last after orif ankle surgery (trimalleolar fracture)? a few weeks?

Accepted Answer

Weeks: The initial pain should improve within a few weeks but soreness and swelling may be present for several months.Keep pressure off of your foot/ankle and elevate when possible.  Ice is usually helpful.

Question 6

i have a trimalleolar fracture and it has been fixed with orif. i'm having pain inside my cast at the ankle. at 4wks post op my cast is quite loose. n?

Accepted Answer

See your doctor : While pain isn't unusual even that far out from surgery, see your orthopedist. He or she may want to do X rays to make sure the injury is healing correctly. Hope this helps!

Question 7

what can i do to help my trimalleolar fracture?

Accepted Answer

Get evaluated: If you have a trimalleolar fracture you should be evaluated by a board certified foot/ankle surgeon. You will need to be evaluated for possible surgery in order to realign the ankle joint and prevent further problems. Don't get caught in the myth that 'if i can walk it must not be that bad".

Question 8

what is a trimalleolar fracture and how can it be treated?

Accepted Answer

Trimal  fracture: A trimaleollar fracture is when you fracture you're fibula and you fracture the tibia in two parts. Along the back of the ankle as well as along the inside part of your ankle.  Depending on severity might need to be surgically repaired.

Question 9

how long will a trimalleolar fracture take to heal?

Accepted Answer

Many months: Even after the fracture is healed and you are able to walk, your skin, tendons, muscles and ligaments continue the healing process for up to a year. It is not unusual for your ankle to stay swollen for a number of months after the surgery. The bones themselves should be healed within 6-8 weeks, on average.

Question 10

how long does a trimalleolar fracture take to heal?

Accepted Answer

Depends: This depends on several factors, including the severity of the fracture, whether it was open, whether surgery was done and if so, the type of surgery, and also associated medical conditions such as diabetes or smoking.  A healthy patient should be well on the way to healing within 6 - 8 weeks, however the subsequent rehab which is required can take 1 - 3 months.

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Doctor answers about:

Will screws need removal after ORIF trimalleolar fracture

A member asked:

4 month s/p orif trimalleolar fracture of ankle. i have moderate swelling and sharp pain in location of 2 screws. do the screw need to be removed?

A member asked:

I feel a screw protruding slightly from the bottom of a plate inserted to repair a trimalleolar fracture. is it possible to have that one screw removed or must all the hardware come out?

A member asked:

I suffered a trimalleolar fracture in april i had hardware put in, screws broke and the doctor says it will be fine but i have a lot of pain and swell?

A member asked:

What indicators on the x-ray signify that an ankle is ready to be weight-bearing after an orif for a trimalleolar ankle fracture? (no gaps, etc)

A member asked:

How long (roughly) does the pain last after orif ankle surgery (trimalleolar fracture)? a few weeks?

A member asked:

I have a trimalleolar fracture and it has been fixed with orif. i'm having pain inside my cast at the ankle. at 4wks post op my cast is quite loose. n?

A member asked:

What can i do to help my trimalleolar fracture?

A member asked:

What is a trimalleolar fracture and how can it be treated?

A member asked:

How long will a trimalleolar fracture take to heal?

A member asked:

How long does a trimalleolar fracture take to heal?

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