Expert: Curtis J. Edwards, MD, FACS - 3/3/2008

Question
I have recently broken my ankle at my friends birthday party, (ice skating) and I have never broken anythin before. When I went to get a cast on, the doctor told me I would have to have a metal pin through my bone to keep it together. I am only twelve and are bad with needles, so I don't know how I can handle the operation. Does it hurt?

Answer
I have not examined you or the patient in question, reviewed the medical record, associated laboratory studies, or imaging. What follows is offered to you for information purposes, only and does not constitute treatment.  I advise an examination from a qualified healthcare professional before undertaking any course of treatment.

Your operation will undoubtedly be performed in the operating room. You will receive medication to help you sleep during the procedure. When you wake up the ankle will probably hurt, perhaps a great deal.  

The doctor will give your parents a prescription for pain medication to help you adjust.  Your leg will be casted for six weeks or longer.  

Without the pin the bones will be unstable and will not heal correctly.  The bones might not heal at all without a pin - called a nonunion - and you would never skate again.  Walking and running would also become difficult.  You might have a limp.  You are almost a teenager, and while the experience is frightening look at it as a field trip, a scary one, but a field trip.  Ask lots of questions and expect answers.  It is your foot.  If you do not understand or you are scared, say so.  The doctors and the nurses will answer your questions and help you to feel more confident.  

My wife fell off a horse and broke her ankle ten years ago.  She needed a pin, too, and a plate with screws!  She cried in the ER because the ankle really hurt.  She was scared and she is married to a surgeon! She knew, personally, the orthopedic surgeon who operated on her, but she was still scared.  I hope this helps.