Posterior malleolus - back part of the tibiaĭoctors classify ankle fractures according to the area of bone that is broken.Medial malleolus - inside part of the tibia.The tibia and fibula have specific parts that make up the ankle: Talus - a small bone that sits between the heel bone (calcaneus) and the tibia and fibula.Luedke, serving the communities of Bryan, TX. If you would like to have additional information on the treatment of ankle fractures, please contact Dr. Rarely, surgery may result in incomplete healing of the fracture, which requires another surgery for repair. In some cases, pressure exerted on the nerves can cause nerve damage, resulting in severe pain. The risks and complications that can occur with ankle fracture treatment include improper casting or improper alignment of the bones which can cause deformities and eventually arthritis. What are the Risks and Complications of an Ankle Fracture Treatment? After 2-3 months of therapy, you may be able to perform daily normal activities. Physical therapy of the ankle joint will be recommended by your doctor. What is the Postoperative Care for an Ankle Fracture?Īfter ankle surgery, you will be instructed to avoid applying weight on the ankle and advised using crutches while walking for at least six weeks. The incision is then sutured closed and the operated ankle is immobilized with a splint or cast. With surgical treatment, the fractured bone is accessed by making an incision over the ankle area and then specially designed plates are screwed onto the bone to realign and stabilize the fractured parts. Treatment starts with non-surgical methods, and in cases where the fracture is unstable and cannot be realigned, surgical methods are employed.įor non-surgical treatment, the ankle bone is realigned and special splints or a plaster cast is placed around the joint for at least 2-3 weeks to allow the bones to heal. The treatment of an ankle fracture depends upon the type and the stability of the fractured bone. Immediately following an ankle injury and prior to seeing a doctor, you should apply ice packs and keep the foot elevated to minimize pain and swelling. What are the Treatment Options for Ankle Fractures? In complex cases where a detailed evaluation of the ligaments is required, an MRI scan is recommended. This test is ordered to determine the stability of the fracture under stress and decide on the need for surgery. In some cases, pressure is applied on the ankle and then special X-rays are taken. This is followed by X-rays and CT scan of the injured area to obtain a detailed view. The diagnosis of an ankle injury begins with a review of your history and a thorough physical examination. Trimalleolar fractures, in which all three lateral, medial and posterior bones are fractured.Bimalleolar fractures, in which both lateral and medial malleolus bones are fractured.Posterior malleolus fracture, in which the posterior malleolus, the bony hump of the tibia, is fractured.Medial malleolus fracture, in which the medial malleolus, the inner part of the ankle, is fractured.Lateral malleolus fracture, in which the lateral malleolus, the outer part of the ankle, is fractured.The different types of ankle fractures are: What are the Types of Ankle Fractures?Īnkle fractures are classified according to their location. In the case of a severe fracture, deformity around the ankle joint is clearly visible where a bone may protrude out piercing the skin. In some cases, blood may accumulate around the joint - a condition called hemarthrosis. With an ankle fracture, there is immediate swelling and pain around the ankle as well as impaired mobility. What are the Symptoms of an Ankle Fracture? What are the Common Causes of Ankle Fractures?Īnkle fractures can occur from excessive rolling and twisting of the ankle - usually from an accident or activities such as jumping or falling, which cause sudden stress to the joint. The joint is protected by a fibrous membrane called a joint capsule and filled with synovial fluid to enable smooth movement. The ends of the fibula and tibia (lower leg bones) form the inner and outer malleolus, which are the bony protrusions of the ankle joint that you can feel and see on either side of the ankle. The ankle joint is composed of three bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus, which articulate together. The ankle joint is stabilized by different ligaments and other soft tissues, which may also be injured during an ankle fracture. Pain after ankle injuries can either be from a torn ligament (ankle sprain) or broken bone (ankle fracture).Īn ankle fracture is a painful condition where there is a break in one or more bones forming the ankle joint. Ankle injuries are very common in athletes and individuals performing physical work often resulting in severe pain and impaired mobility.
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