Recovery Time for Non-Healing Ankle Fractures and Surgery - Orthopedics

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Recovering from a non-healing ankle fracture, especially one that involves ligament tears and significant joint adhesion, can be a complex and lengthy process. Based on your situation, where MRI has confirmed non-union of the fracture and damage to both the inner and outer ligaments, surgical intervention appears to be necessary. Here’s a detailed overview of what you can expect regarding recovery time, rehabilitation, and post-operative care.


Recovery Timeline
1. Surgery to Initial Recovery: After undergoing surgery for ligament repair and fracture reconstruction, you can generally expect to spend a few days in the hospital for monitoring. Once discharged, you will likely need to use crutches or a walker for at least 4 to 6 weeks to avoid putting weight on the affected ankle.
2. Weight Bearing: The timeline for when you can start bearing weight on your ankle varies. Typically, your surgeon will advise you to avoid weight-bearing activities for the first 6 weeks post-surgery. After this period, you may gradually start to put weight on your ankle, depending on your healing progress and the surgeon's assessment.

3. Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation usually begins soon after surgery, often within the first week. Initially, therapy will focus on gentle range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness. As healing progresses, your physical therapist will introduce strengthening exercises. Full rehabilitation can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on the severity of the injury and your adherence to the rehabilitation program.

4. Return to Normal Activities: Most patients can expect to return to normal walking without assistance within 3 to 6 months. However, returning to high-impact activities or sports may take longer, often requiring a full year or more, especially if there are internal fixation devices in place.


Post-Operative Considerations
- Use of Crutches: Yes, you will likely need to use crutches or a walker for the initial recovery phase to prevent putting weight on the ankle. This is crucial for allowing the ligaments and bone to heal properly.

- Pain Management: It is common to experience pain and discomfort in the ankle post-surgery. Your doctor may prescribe pain management strategies, including medications and ice therapy.

- Impact of Internal Fixation Devices: Having internal fixation devices (like screws or plates) can affect your mobility and comfort. While they provide necessary support during the healing process, they may also cause discomfort or restrict certain movements. Your surgeon will discuss the possibility of removing these devices later, usually after a year, depending on your healing progress.


Long-Term Outlook
- Ligament Healing: Ligament healing can take several months. Generally, ligaments may take anywhere from 6 weeks to several months to heal, depending on the extent of the injury and the surgical technique used.

- Future Activities: Once you have fully healed and your doctor gives you the green light, you can gradually return to physical activities. However, high-impact sports may require additional time for recovery and strengthening. It’s essential to follow your physical therapist's guidance and not rush back into activities to prevent re-injury.


Conclusion
In summary, the recovery from a non-healing ankle fracture with associated ligament damage is a gradual process that requires patience and adherence to rehabilitation protocols. Expect a timeline of several months for recovery, with close monitoring by your healthcare team. Engaging in physical therapy early on will be crucial for regaining strength and mobility. Always consult your orthopedic surgeon for personalized advice and to address any concerns you may have during your recovery journey.