Carenotes > External Fixation Of An Ankle Fracture (Discharge Care)

External Fixation Of An Ankle Fracture

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• External (eks-TER-nal) fixation (fik-SA-shun) of an ankle fracture is surgery to repair your broken ankle. An ankle fracture is a break in any of the bones of your ankle. The ankle joint is made up of the tibia, fibula, and talus bones. The tibia and fibula are the two bones in your lower leg. The talus is a square, flat bone on top of the calcaneus (heel bone). The ankle joint lets you move your foot in different directions. External fixation is done when fractured bones are not in their normal positions or are broken into several pieces. It is also done when bones stick out through skin, or when deep cuts reach down to the bones.
  
  
• With external fixation, pins and devices sticking out of the ankle will hold together broken pieces of bone inside it. While being held together, the pieces of broken bone will grow together and get stronger. This may bring back your ankle's usual appearance and your leg's usual length. Physical activities may need to be avoided for some time until your bone heals completely. It may take months to get full function of your leg, ankle, and foot after this surgery. With external fixation, your ankle fracture may be treated and usual activities may be resumed.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Ask your caregiver when you need to return to have your wound checked and the stitches or pins removed. You may have to use crutches for some time to let the affected ankle heal better. Your caregiver may teach you how to use crutches.

Caring for the pin sites: The pin sites are the areas of skin where the pins were inserted. There is a chance that these areas may get infected. To prevent infection, you may do the following:

• Check the skin around the pins every day.
  
  
• Clean the skin around the pins with hydrogen peroxide and a sterile (clean) solution. Do this twice a day. Your caregiver will tell you when to stop using peroxide.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver when it is OK to get the pin sites wet while bathing

Physical therapy: Your caregiver may want you to go to physical therapy. A physical therapist will help you with special exercises. These exercises help make your bones and muscles stronger.

Your physical therapist may teach you special exercises to do at home. These may be done alone or with the help of a family member. Do only the exercises advised by your caregiver and do them only as often as your caregiver suggests. Do not do more than the range of motion exercises advised by your caregiver.

For more information:

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  6300 North River Road
  Rosemont, IL 600184262
  Phone: 1-847-8237186
  Web Address: http://www.aaos.org/
  

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  PO Box 11210
  Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
  Phone: 1-913-906-6000
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, surgery, or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have increased pain or swelling in your ankle area that does not go away.
  
  
• Your leg, ankle, or foot is swollen and feels tight.
  
  
• Your skin or toes on the injured ankle turn blue or white or they feel cold, numb, or tingly.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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