Plating
Ankle and foot fractures are common injuries that can occur due to falls, accidents, sports injuries, or repetitive stress. In cases where the fracture is displaced, unstable, or involves joint surfaces, plating is often recommended to realign and stabilize the bones for proper healing.
Plating involves the use of metal plates and screws to surgically fix fractured bones, providing strong and stable internal support during the healing process.
What Is Plating in Foot & Ankle Surgery?
Plating is a type of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) where the broken bones are first realigned (open reduction), then fixed in place with plates and screws (internal fixation). The hardware remains inside the body and may or may not need removal later.When Is Plating Used in Ankle & Foot Trauma?
- Ankle fractures (malleolus, distal tibia or fibula)
- Comminuted or displaced foot fractures (heel, midfoot, or metatarsals)
- Fractures involving joint surfaces
- Complex or unstable fractures
- Fractures not healing with conservative treatment (non-union or malunion)
Procedure Overview:
- Performed under spinal or general anesthesia
- An incision is made over the fracture site
- Fracture is carefully realigned into correct position
- A custom-shaped metal plate is attached with screws to hold the bone in place
- The incision is closed and the limb is placed in a cast or boot
- Recovery begins with gradual weight-bearing and physiotherapy
Benefits of Plating:
- Provides rigid fixation and precise alignment
- Allows earlier mobilization compared to casting alone
- Reduces risk of joint deformity, arthritis, or improper healing
- Effective for complex or joint-involving fractures
- Long-term stability with durable implants
Do’s After Surgery
- Elevate the foot to reduce swelling
- Keep incision clean and dry
- Use assistive devices (walker/crutches) as advised
- Follow the post-op rehab plan and attend physiotherapy
- Wear a protective boot or cast as prescribed
Don’ts After Surgery
- Don’t put weight on the operated foot unless permitted
- Avoid wetting the wound or removing bandages on your own
- on’t skip follow-up appointments or X-rays
- Avoid smoking—it slows bone healing
- Don’t ignore signs of infection (redness, fever, drainage)