Stephen Greenfield, MD 13430 N. Meridian St., Suite 367 Carmel, IN 46032 [P] 317.575.2720 • [F] 317.575.2713 OrthoIndy.com

Pilon Fracture

Your Injury A is where the end of your (shin ) is shattered. Since it involves a severe injury to the , it is a devastating injury. If surgery is required then the bone will be placed back into its proper position and hardware will be placed to hold it. Patients may have other conditions (cartilage injury, deformity, tendon injury, ligament injury, etc.) that may be fixed also. Risks of surgery include, but are not limited to: infection, wound healing issues, scarring, swelling, stiffness, pain, numbness, injury to vessels, bone healing problems, hardware problems, need for hardware removal, recurrence, other deformity or need for future surgery. This is an injury to a joint, and will lead to joint arthritis; often treated with surgery in the future. There are many options but ankle fusion or replacement are the common final procedures. If you need a note for work, please let us know before surgery. If it is your right ankle, most patients cannot drive for 8 to 12 weeks.

Day of Surgery You and your anesthesiologist will determine what is best for your particular surgery. Often, a block is provided by the anesthesiologist. This will decrease the amount of pain after surgery. The risks of anes- thesia/block will be discussed with the anesthesiologist. You will be brought to the operating room and your leg will be cleaned for surgery. Drapes will then be placed over your leg and your entire body to keep our surgical field clean. You will be given antibiotics before/during surgery. I will perform your sur- gery (make an incision, perform the surgery, add hardware, close the tissue/skin and then place a splint on your leg that must stay on and dry until your first post-operative visit). I will discuss the surgery with your family member or guest immediately after we are done, unless you instruct me otherwise.

After Surgery You will be taken to the recovery room and sent home when the nurses and anesthesiologist think you are suitable for discharge. Some patients stay overnight if your surgery was performed at the hospital. You are not allowed to walk on the operative leg. You will be sent home on pain medicine with the hope that you can discontinue it as quick as possible. You can use crutches, knee walker, walker, wheelchair, etc. to remain mobile.

Typical Post-operative Course • Week Two: A member of my team or I will see you for splint/staple removal and placement of a tall walker boot or cast. If you are in a cast, it will remain on for another four weeks. Physical therapy will begin and continue for 6 to 12 weeks. • Week Ten: You are allowed touchdown weightbearing in the boot with crutches and advance to full weightbearing over the next two to four weeks. • Months Three and Four: You will remove the boot and wear comfortable shoes with a supportive ankle brace. • Months Four to Six: You will continue to advance with activities.

Rev. 10/17 • Month Six to One Year: You will begin to feel that this is “behind you” and although you are not fully normal/healed, you should be doing better, understanding this is a life-changing injury, and you and your ankle will never be the same unfortunately. Pilon fractures take a full year to recover from. As with any surgery, swelling and atrophy are the last issues to resolve and can take 6 to 12 months.

I am happy to see you at any time if questions, concerns or issues arise. Thank you for choosing OrthoIndy. We will take excellent care of you.

Disclaimer: These are general statements and may not apply specifically to your care. I may modify as needed for your individual care.

2