Some feel like their health and strength returns one week after surgery and others four to six weeks following surgery. It is only necessary for you to come to Duke one year after surgery. The fibula is not a weight bearing bone but acts as strut for mucsle attachment. The middle portion of the bone is removed leaving the top and bottom to the bone without change. No plating is required and there is no change in the appearance of the lower leg except for the incision on the outside of the leg.
Physical therapy is only necessary while in the hospital.
The exercises described in the handbook can be used as long as one wishes to postoperatively. Swimming and stationary bicylcing are highly recommended after the first 6 weeks from surgery. Dextran is given to you while in the hospital over a five day period. The aspirin and Persantine are taken for six weeks, and there are no precautions necessary at that time. Sometimes an iron supplement is prescribed postoperatively.