Simple Ankle Fracture ORIF: Your Journey from Preparation to Full Recovery
Stop NSAIDs, aspirin, and herbal supplements seven days before surgery; inform your surgeon of any blood thinners; stop smoking and avoid alcohol; prepare your home for crutch or walker use as you will be non‑weight bearing after surgery.
Do not eat or drink after midnight; shower and wash the operative leg; avoid shaving or waxing; remove nail polish and jewelry.
Shower and wash the leg with regular soap; wear loose clothing; take only approved medications with a sip of water; arrive early with ID and imaging.
After surgery you will be non‑weight bearing on the operative leg and remain in a plaster splint until your first post‑operative appointment; use crutches, walker or knee scooter to avoid putting weight on your leg; keep the splint clean and dry and cover it with a waterproof bag when showering; swelling is expected and may persist for 3–4 months, so elevate the leg and apply ice frequently.
Non‑weight bearing in splint or boot for the first 0–4 weeks; remain completely non‑weight bearing until at least 4 weeks; between 4 and 6 weeks you may place your foot on the ground for balance while in the boot but should not bear full weight; at 6–8 weeks you may progress to weight bearing with the boot flat on the ground, using crutches if needed; between 8 and 12 weeks you will gradually wean from the boot to a normal shoe and may use an ankle brace; avoid full weight bearing without support until cleared.
Do not remove the splint; keep your leg elevated on pillows and apply ice 30–60 minutes several times daily; keep dressings clean and dry; take prescribed pain medications before the anesthetic wears off; expect a follow‑up appointment in 10–14 days for suture removal, x‑rays, and transition to a boot.
First follow‑up visit 10–14 days after surgery for suture removal, x‑rays and instructions; second visit at 6 weeks to evaluate healing and permit gradual weight bearing; additional visits at 12–16 weeks and again around 4 months to assess bone healing and progress; optional follow‑up at 6–12 months to monitor swelling and return to activities.
At 2–6 weeks you will be placed in a CAM boot, begin gentle ankle motion and focus on swelling control; remain non‑weight bearing until 4 weeks; between 6 and 12 weeks you can weight bear in the boot, start physical therapy and work on range of motion, strength and gait; by 12–16 weeks you will wean to a shoe with brace, resume most work activities and continue strengthening and balance exercises.
Bone healing typically allows return to normal activities by 3–4 months, but swelling and color changes may persist up to a year; continue therapy and use an ankle brace until 10–12 weeks; return to athletic activities and heavy work is usually permitted between 6 and 12 months, depending on strength, balance and absence of pain.