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Suggest Treatment For Broken Ankles
Question: I have a question about driving after broken ankle. I broke my ankle 4/1/15 had surgery 4/2/15. My staples are out and on walking boot. I was told to touch down only. Here's my question/problem. My husband had to have emergency surgery last night on his left foot great toe and now he can't drive either. So we have no one to take of us. When will be the soonest I can safely drive? I have very little ankle pain, just nerve pain from the injury.
Brief Answer:
assessment for bone union,partial weight bearing for 2-3 weeks if healed
Detailed Answer:
hi
You need to have a fresh check xray to see for bone union.and there should be no local tenderness on fractured site (tenderness indicates some healing is still in process) on examination. Since you are on boot, partial weight bearing with help of walking stick in opposite hand may be advised-this can also test that on mild weight bearing the site doesnt hurt or pain, since 8-9 weeks since fixing have gone by, i think you may revert to full walking by yourself in 2-3 weeks from now, before you undertake the wheels by yourself.
However, it is safer to speak to your surgeon who would assess for complete union by physical examination, tenderness point,if any and give you the necessary advise.
assessment for bone union,partial weight bearing for 2-3 weeks if healed
Detailed Answer:
hi
You need to have a fresh check xray to see for bone union.and there should be no local tenderness on fractured site (tenderness indicates some healing is still in process) on examination. Since you are on boot, partial weight bearing with help of walking stick in opposite hand may be advised-this can also test that on mild weight bearing the site doesnt hurt or pain, since 8-9 weeks since fixing have gone by, i think you may revert to full walking by yourself in 2-3 weeks from now, before you undertake the wheels by yourself.
However, it is safer to speak to your surgeon who would assess for complete union by physical examination, tenderness point,if any and give you the necessary advise.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
I broke my ankle 16 days ago....
Brief Answer:
Avoid driving till check x ray shows union
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for correction.
Certainly, 6-8 weeks is the usual time for bone union to complete. Since you are on boots defer weight bearing, even partial one, for 8 weeks from time of fixing if fracture had required reduction for displacement. This is my opinion, your doctor is the best judge. However if it was undisplaced, then maybe partial weight bearing with help of a walking stick in opposite hand after 4-5 weeks may be permitted after your doctor takes check x ray for the position of bone ends.
So no question of taking on any driving for now
Regards,
Avoid driving till check x ray shows union
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for correction.
Certainly, 6-8 weeks is the usual time for bone union to complete. Since you are on boots defer weight bearing, even partial one, for 8 weeks from time of fixing if fracture had required reduction for displacement. This is my opinion, your doctor is the best judge. However if it was undisplaced, then maybe partial weight bearing with help of a walking stick in opposite hand after 4-5 weeks may be permitted after your doctor takes check x ray for the position of bone ends.
So no question of taking on any driving for now
Regards,
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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