Ankle Fracture Post Op Protocol
Post Operative Protocol
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of an Ankle Fracture
Before Surgery
Medical Clearance and Pro-operative Blood work
Schedule Time and Date for Surgery
Immediately After Surgery
Most patient are in a Splint, and this splint has to stay on until after surgery.
The patient must be non weight bearing and keep the splint clean and dry.
Ice behind the knee(the splint will prevent direct ice to the surgical site), this cools the blood traveling down to the surgical site.
Be sure to move your knee. Being sedentary and lack of ankle and knee mobility increases your chance of a blood clot or DVT. Signs of this are calf pain, tightness and warmth.
2 weeks post op
The splint is removed.
Sutures and/or staples are removed.
The patient is transitioned into a removable Boot and can begin active Ankle joint ROM, and physical therapy.
The patient can now get the surgical site wet (no soaking, hot tub or pool until 3 weeks out)
4 weeks post op
The patient can be weightbearing in the Walking boot with crutches, and then transition to un aided weightbearing with the boot
8 weeks post op
Transition from a boot to an ankle brace.
-PT is progressing from non weightbearing, to static to dynamic activity from the 2 week for 12 week mark post operatively.
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