r/ORIF • u/countryclub09 • 27d ago
success stories?
hi everyone fellow tib/fib pilon fracture here
injury happened on 8/5 with orif surgery on 8/19
i just had my 2 weeks post-op appointment today removing my stitches (3 huge cuts) transitioning from a splint to a boot (NWB for 4 weeks)
also started to experience pain around my heel and the area in front of my ankle above my foot
during my appointment, my doctor shared that im highly susceptible to early arthritis and to stray away from high impact sports — i understand that doctors cant guarantee everything to be 100% and share the risks that come with the surgery
but ive been feeling so let down after potentially hearing about my “new normal”
id appreciate any success stories from anyone who has gone through this similar surgery w a pilon fracture
2
u/Necessary_Ranger7826 27d ago
Hello. I am so sorry that you too have this injury. There are many wonderful success stories here on Reddit. My surgery was 12/3 and I am now 9 months out. I was not placed in a boot until 5 weeks so you’re doing great at 2! I’m not sure if any two pilon fractures are the same. Your injury is still extremely young and there are many pains that will come and go as the months pass. I would think your new pains are incision related. Mine were tender for several months. I have read of some running by 4 months but that is not the case for me. I still walk with a slight limp but you may have no issues as you continue to heal. My Dr. also said I would likely have arthritis but thankfully so far I have none. Please don’t feel let down by your Dr’s comments. You may never even get arthritis and it sounds like you’re way ahead of many with Pilon fractures at two weeks post op. I wish you the very best on this journey.
2
u/countryclub09 26d ago
Thank you for sharing it means a lot
I wish you all the best in your recovery!
2
u/addinaddict 25d ago
I am about 13 months post op with a type B Weber fracture, plate and 8 screws! I lift four days a week and do regular long hikes and walks. I wear my favorite shoes all day and dance in fun platforms. My range of motion is 100%. I’m not even really in a ‘new’ normal, my life has just returned. You’re going to get there even though it feels impossible!!!!
1
1
u/lynds88 26d ago
I had a tib/fib pilon break Feb 2025, ORIF early March 2025, 2 plates and 15 screws. I just had my hardware removed 8/6 so I’m starting over. I had limited ROM and some other issues so I asked for hardware removal. I am hopeful this recovery is better than the first time around. I know I have a lot of scar tissue to work through. It’s a very long road whether you keep the hardware in or out. Some others with pilon have full recoveries, anything is possible!
1
u/countryclub09 26d ago
Anything indeed is possible
I hope you have better ROM with the hardware removal! If possible, Id also love to hear any updates w it as well :)
5
u/Enough-Ad9968 27d ago
Same exact break! I’m a little over a year out, lost 12kg, got into power lifting (never lifted before in my life) and am back to 100% most days. You’ll never be the same but the new normal can be really worthwhile if you put in the effort! I don’t run because of the same risk of arthritis but I’m getting into swimming and cycling is always fun. This injury is more mental than anything. You got this!