Physical Therapy For Ankle Fracture ORIF In Delray Beach, FL

What is an ankle fracture ORIF?

An ankle fracture ORIF, or Open Reduction and Internal Fixation, is a surgical procedure used to treat a break or fracture of the ankle. During the surgery, the orthopedic surgeon carefully repositions the broken bones back into their normal alignment and uses metal screws, plates, rods, wires or pins to hold them together in place while they heal. The metal hardware is placed internally within the ankle joint to provide stability as well as maintain an optimal position of the fractured bones. After the hardware is put in place, plaster casts may be used to further immobilize the ankle until it has completely healed and regained its strength.

What is the purpose of an ORIF? 

The purpose of ankle fracture ORIF is to restore correct alignment of tibia-fibula bones and talus bone. Anatomical reduction helps decrease pain levels and restore full mobility when done correctly. It also reduces stress concentration on ligaments which are necessary for stability of the joint, especially during physical activity. Additionally, this procedure helps reduce chances for post-fracture complications such as avascular necrosis (AVN) – death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply – osteoarthritis and nonunion (incomplete healing).

When should ORIF surgery be done? 

Ankle fracture ORIF is usually reserved for severe fractures that cannot be treated with conservative methods such as braces or splints. In most cases involving displaced fractures or loose fragments of bone around the joint, this type of surgery is recommended to ensure proper healing and avoid any long-term complications that can arise with other treatment options. Prior to undergoing ORIF on an ankle fracture, imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are utilized by surgeons in order to properly assess how best to treat it.

What are some risks of having ankle fracture ORIF? 

An ankle fracture ORIF carries certain risks, the most common being infection. The risk of infection increases if a plaster cast is placed for immobilization, as it can trap bacteria between the skin and the cast. During surgery, there is also a risk of nerve or blood vessel damage which may lead to numbness and loss of sensation in the ankle area, as well as blood clots developing in the lower leg. Other potential complications include delayed healing, nonunion (incomplete healing) of fractured bones and recurrent ankle instability due to hardware failure or improper placement.

Patients undergoing an ankle fracture ORIF procedure have a higher chance of developing postoperative arthritis due to accelerated wear-and-tear on the joint. This may occur when metal implants are used to stabilize bones during the healing process, leading to loosening of surrounding ligaments and cartilage deterioration over time. Furthermore, patients who smoke or have diabetes also face additional risks due to their weakened immune system and restricted blood supply which are required for successful healing. 

To reduce chances of any potential complications from occurring during an ankle fracture ORIF procedure, it is important that patients follow all preoperative instructions provided by their surgeon such as maintaining good hygiene habits around the surgical site, keeping wound dry at all times and avoiding any excessive physical activity before full recovery has been achieved. If any symptoms such as redness around wound area, pain or swelling continue after surgery then immediate medical attention should be sought in order to identify any early signs of infection or other postoperative issues that may arise.

What should you expect after having an ankle fracture ORIF?

After undergoing an ankle fracture ORIF procedure, it is important to keep in mind that recovery times can vary depending on the severity of the injury as well as other factors such as age and overall health. Generally, patients can expect a period of several weeks or longer before they are able to return to their normal activities. 

In the immediate postoperative period, it is important for patients to keep their ankle immobilized with a cast, brace, or splint for 4-6 weeks in order to ensure proper healing and reduce chances of any additional damage from occurring. During this time it is recommended that patients avoid putting any weight on their injured foot until advised otherwise by their doctor or physical therapist. 

Once the plaster cast has been removed and the patient has been given clearance by their medical team, it is essential for them to begin slowly regaining strength and mobility in their ankle joint while avoiding any type of high-intensity physical activity. This may include a simple range of motion exercises such as rotating the ankle in circles or drawing letters of the alphabet with one’s toes – activities which help improve flexibility without putting too much strain on the joint.  

In addition to physical therapy exercises, lifestyle modifications may be necessary following an ankle fracture ORIF procedure. Patients should wear comfortable supportive shoes when walking outdoors and carry minimal load on affected side during everyday tasks such as grocery shopping or carrying objects up stairs. It is also important to maintain healthy body weight through a balanced diet since excess pounds put extra pressure on joints which can lead to further pain and discomfort over time. 

Finally, individuals who have suffered from an ankle fracture should be aware that there is always a risk for permanent joint instability if screws are used during surgery due to prolonged contact between metal hardware and bone tissues. For this reason, it is crucial for patients follow all post-operative guidelines provided by their orthopedic surgeon in order to ensure optimal recovery time and minimize potential risks associated with ORIF procedures on ankles fractures.