Differential Diagnosis for Post-Operative Ankle Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Surgical site infection or wound complication: This is a common cause of post-operative ankle pain, especially if the patient has signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or purulent discharge. The proximity of the surgical site to the ankle joint and the potential for bacterial contamination during surgery make this a likely diagnosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Post-operative patients are at increased risk for DVT due to immobility and surgical trauma. Ankle pain and swelling could be symptoms of a DVT.
- Nerve injury or neuropathy: Damage to nerves during surgery can cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the ankle and foot.
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): This condition can occur after surgery or trauma, causing chronic pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected limb.
- Hardware failure or loosening: If the patient has undergone internal fixation, hardware failure or loosening can cause pain and instability in the ankle.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Compartment syndrome: This is a medical emergency that can occur after surgery, causing pain, swelling, and limited range of motion due to increased pressure within the muscle compartments.
- Osteomyelitis or septic arthritis: Infection of the bone or joint can cause severe pain, swelling, and systemic symptoms, and requires prompt treatment to prevent long-term damage.
- Pulmonary embolism: Although less directly related to ankle pain, post-operative patients are at increased risk for pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Rhabdomyolysis: This condition, caused by muscle breakdown, can occur after surgery or trauma, leading to pain, swelling, and potentially life-threatening kidney damage.
- Arterial injury or pseudoaneurysm: Damage to blood vessels during surgery can cause pain, swelling, and limited circulation in the affected limb.
- Heterotopic ossification: This condition, where bone forms in soft tissue, can cause pain and limited range of motion in the ankle after surgery.