These more complex fractures require surgical intervention, which may involve plates, screws, and pins, or may be as simple as an arthroscopic procedure to evaluate the area inside the joint. 2. Trimalleolar ankle fracture: This type involves breaks in three sides of the ankle: the medial malleolus, the lateral malleolus and distal (lower portion) of the posterior malleolus of the tibia. The goals of non-surgical management of ankle fractures are: Maintain the fracture in its present alignment and prevent any further displacement /shifting Provide sufficient support and stability to allow the bone to properly heal Risks/Complications Treatment Typical home care advice Work & Recovery Management Additional Resources Contact Us, Advice Nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may use a 'cast / bandage protector for bathing', available on-line Eg. This helps ensure that the bones will heal in their proper alignment, which is a key part of ankle fracture recovery. Typically most of the recovery is completed by 4-6 months. If this happens, your doctor may need to perform a non-surgical procedure known as closed reduction. The ankle is comprised of the talus bone articulating within Ankle Fracture: General Facts. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to improve your flexibility, balance and strength. cast removed, no boot ordered told to walk. The purpose of the study is to compare functional outcomes and recovery following surgical and non surgical treatment of potentially unstable , isolated fibula fractures. Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle provides new and advanced procedures including endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, complex joint restoration procedures, anterior approach hip replacement surgery, and more. Complications of ankle fractures include malunion, non-union, stiffness, and wound breakdown. Typically, if a removable walking cast is recommended by the doctor, weight bearing in the removable cast is allowed. These are called stress fractures. An ankle stress fracture usually occurs some time after a person begins a new activity that involves significant impact of the foot, such as hiking, running or field sports. Shower boot or saran wrap with showers until closed. Thank you! Certain mild ankle breaks (stable and with no displacement) can be treated nonsurgically with a splint, short leg cast, or other protective device such as a walking boot Some patients may be able to walk immediately while wearing a support while others may have to use crutches to limit weightbearing. Dr. Kenny Chuu and another doctor agree. But the bottom line is that the only way to tell for certain is to have an X-ray and be examined by one of our orthopedic physicians. This was my first time at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic and I saw Melissa Parshall PA-C. Several fractures, which may require surgery. Postoperative large talar tilt and advanced stages of ankle arthritis are the risk factors for the surgery. Occasionally, you may be able to have an idea of whether its a sprain or a fracture by where the pain is located. Thank. A broken ankle usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal, but it can take longer. An inappropriate or poorly executed surgery can lead a patient to require additional corrective surgeries and/or, years later, to develop ankle instability, arthritis or even the need for an ankle replacement operation. Non-Surgical Ankle Fracture Recovery If an X-ray, MRI scan, or other image tests performed show that the break is clean and nearby soft tissues aren't affected, you may benefit from non-surgical treatments. They can also occur in an active person who quickly increases their activity, for example when someone who is accustomed to jogging a few miles a week begins to train for a 26-mile marathon. Many falls occur in the home, so try to eliminate clutter that may cause you to stumble. It is possible for these factors to severely slow the bone healing process or even result in non-healing of your fracture: 1. Lateral malleolar fractures are the most common type of ankle fracture. The faster the swelling subsides, the faster is the recovery. We are here to help. Broken Ankle (Ankle Fracture) A condition in which tiny fissures to larger cracks and snaps occur in the ankle. What are the different types of ankle fractures? Patients will generally have six weeks of therapy or more if required. Keep the boot dry. However, recovery takes much longer. The Accident I was at the Bill Putnam (Fairy Meadows) Hut in British Columbia, Canada on a guided ski trip. Usually, bones start rebuilding immediately after a doctor has aligned the bone fragments and stabilized them into place. A fractured ankle can range from: A simple break in one bone, which may not stop you from walking, to. Broken ankles are usually caused by a rotational injury, where the ankle becomes twisted, turned or rolled while walking or running, such as during sports activity. Rebecca took the time to listen to all of my issues and discuss a plan for additional treatment. First, its important to realize that you may not need surgery to treat your broken ankle at all. . Non displaced ankle fracture A 34-year-old female asked: Non displaced fracture, ankle w/ space in fibula. The orthopedic surgeons at Southwest Orthopedic Group can diagnose ankle fractures on x . The hardware is generally left in place even after your ankle has healed and is only removed if it causes problems. During this procedure, your doctor will give you pain relief, and numb the area entirely, to help reduce pain. We have assisted them throughout their ankle fracture recovery journey. Specialists at the Bone Healing Center at NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital have extensive experience diagnosing nonhealing fractures.. A nonhealing fracture, also called a nonunion, occurs when the pieces of a broken bone do not grow back together. Pilon fracture (also called a plafond fracture): This is a fracture through the weightbearing roof of the ankle (the central portion of the lower tibia). Other times a plate is required to hold the bone and this necessitates an incision in the back of the ankle. An appointment for x-rays to be taken typically occurs at about 6-8 weeks into the treatment. Stable fractures treated without surgery can often be safe for immediate protected (in a boot) weight bearing. ankle fracture. If the pain is in the softer part of your ankle, you may have a sprain, while if it hurts when you touch it directly over your ankle bone, its more likely that you have a fracture. The final step will be the addition of activities involving lateral movement and uneven ground. Doctor Lewis is my surgeon and I love him. Try to avoid playing or running on uneven surfaces. You will remain immobilized in the walking boot until 4 weeks post-injury. New bone cells then form and grow on both sides of the fracture, eventually closing it. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a type of surgery used to stabilize and heal a broken bone. Ankle fractures can be classified by the mechanism that caused that fracture, or the number of locations that have fractured, or by the location of the fracture of the fibula (the bone on the outside of the ankle) relative to the ankle joint line. In addition, we also help our patients by providing a comprehensive scope of services to help them with anything from carpal tunnel syndrome to sciatic nerve pain to joint replacements. The tibia ends with two bony prominences, the medial (inside) malleolus and the posterior (in the back) malleolus. So glad A friend told me to come see you guys! Common causes of pilon fractures are falls from heights and car accidents. If a non-removable cast is recommended, the doctor may or may not allow weight bearing. Ankle fractures happen with twisting of the ankle, falls, car accidents, or other injury. Sometimes, should the fracture shift too much, it may require surgery. A damaged syndesmosis is treated with a strong piece of suture between the two bones. Recovering from a broken ankle. Call 678-506-7132 or complete our online appointment request form. This situation is known as a bimalleolar ankle fracture. Some stiffness is common after these injuries and can be very frustrating, but improvement continues for at least 6-12 months aft. How Delaying Knee Pain Treatment Can Impact Overall Health. I would like you to discontinue use of the crutches or any other assistive walking devices as quickly as possible. Goals. X-ray image showing front view of a bimalleolar fracture, X-ray image showing side view of a displaced lateral malleolus fracture of the right ankle. Syndesmosis Within each of the above types, the fracture will be either: There are some additional, unique types of fractures. Tags. If a fractured ankle is not properly treated, it can lead to significant, long-term complications and debility. Orthopaedic Trauma & Fracture Care specialists will make this decision based on the extent of the injury, the patient's overall health, and how well the fracture can be expected to heal without surgery. Tendon vs. Ligament What Is the Difference? Podiatry 44 years experience. Some injuries require surgical stabilization to restore ankle stability while others can be treated conservatively. dr; if gap doesn't close will rebreak and plate. Medications Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). The goal is to protect the fractured bone while it heals. The vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure are monitored continually during the operation by a relevant specialist. For more serious fractures in which bones or bone fragments are misaligned, surgical intervention is necessary to prevent improper healing (malunion) that would impede proper movement in the ankle and possibly lead to other complications. . It takes about six weeks for bones to heal. This can happen with a fracture of the ankle, but more commonly it occurs in lieu of a fracture. A nonunion occurs when the broken bone fails to heal. Keywords: Clinical outcomes, Malunited ankles, Reconstruction operation. While some surgeons use screws that require a second surgery for removal, this newer technique utilizing a suture button requires no further procedures. Involves Foot & Ankle Surgery . Carly and Dr Goodin both have GREAT bedside manner and I feel I am in expert care with them. Most features are available only to members receiving care at Kaiser Permanente medical facilities. Pilon fractures occur when the talus (ankle bone) is driven into the leg with such force that the leg bones break at the ankle joint. It runs parallel to the tibia, a larger bone that also forms the shin, and attaches the ankle and knee . The fibula forms the lateral (outside) malleolus. You may also elect to rent a knee scooter/caddy to assist you during this period of restricted mobility. Schedule an appointment to see an Emory specialist today. Home > Blog > Healthcare > Guidelines > Non-operative Treatment of an Ankle Fracture. What is ankle fracture open reduction and internal fixation? If you're in pain, our DFW-area orthopaedic surgeons can treat your concern using the latest non-surgical and surgical procedures available for feet and ankles. However, unstable fractures requiring surgery usually need at least 8 weeks of non weight bearing to allow proper healing. The main concerns are that it could cause a nonunion or a delayed union. There are several different types of ankle breaks, and not all require surgery. Conclusions. It may take longer for ligaments or other soft tissues to heal as well. Mark Reed, MD Dr. Mark Reed is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon providing specialty care of all foot and ankle disorders. Elevate the ankle at the level of the chest, for 23 hours a day for 7 days (for pain relief, swelling and wound healing). 3. Appointments 216.444.2606 Appointments & Locations Request an Appointment Procedure Details Risks / Benefits Broken Ankle? Use the removable walking cast for all weight bearing activities as long as you doctor designates. A Fractured Ankle Recovery Guide - 2018 Update A Fractured Ankle Recovery Guide A fractured ankle is a very serious injury, one that will leave the sufferer unable to stand or walk for some weeks. The New Albany office of Louisville Orthopedic is full of terrific people who know what excellent customer service is about! Ankle Fracture Rehab Protocol. Other ankle fractures involve multiple parts of the ankle or also have ligament damage, and these often require surgery. In the ankle joint or any joint in the body, two or more bones move relative to one another. Patients are placed on a pain management protocol that minimizes their need for opioid medications. For decades, weve helped hundreds of Raleigh and Triangle area residents recover from injuries and regain their everyday lives by treating ankle and foot injuries. Stable fractures treated without surgery can often be safe for immediate protected (in a boot) weight bearing. 1. The steps involved are as follows; The patient is put under general anesthesia. Now Offering Telemedicine AppointmentsCall to Schedule, 8 Advantages of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery and Recovery, How To Fully Recover From an Achilles Tendon Injury, 3801 Wake Forest Road, Suite 220 Raleigh, NC 27609, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). In unstable ankle fractures, the ankle joint itself is displaced or can be displaced when it is subject to normal forces. It is a break of the lateral malleolus, the knobby bump on the outside of the ankle (in the lower portion of the fibula). The doctor will also advise you on a program for gradual resumption of your activities. Post Operative Course: After surgery most patients are placed into a boot with a sterile dry dressing on the ankle. Ankle fracture surgery is usually completed without an overnight hospital stay, unless a medical comorbidity requires additional observation. Complicated fractures require additional recovery and healing time. A broken ankle is also known as an ankle fracture. I would recommend him to anyone. He treats both adolescents and adults with a special focus on sports-related injuries, including ankle instability, cartilage lesions, and Achilles tendon injuries. Ankle fractures make up about 9% of all fractures, which correlates to about 400,000 per year. COVID-19: Latest updates about the vaccine, testing, how to protect yourself and get care, Updated visitor policy | Services and hours updates. Displaced - Fractured portions of bone are separated or misaligned. In some fractures, the amount of displacement (shifting) of the fracture will determine the need for surgery. This is not intended to substitute clinical decision making regarding the patient's proper progression based on evaluation findings . Because the ankle joint comprises three bones, there are numerous types of ankle fractures. Trimalleolar Fractures. Incision care-keep clean and dry. Stable calcaneus fractures often do not require surgery and can be healed with options such as casting or appropriately supportive splints or braces in addition to adequate rest and limited to no weight-bearing. A Maisonneuve fracture, for example, involves a complete disruption of the ligaments around the ankle associated with a fracture of the fibula at the level of the knee. During an ORIF, the pieces of your bone are repositioned so that they are properly aligned and then physically reconnected, usually involving screws, rods, plates or even surgical nails. People should . A malalignment of as little as two millimeters in the ankle joint can lead to arthritis. The best way to do that is to avoid injuries if it is at all possible. Lateral malleolus fracture: This is the most common type of ankle fracture. If the deltoid ligament is torn in association with a fracture, the ankle is generally unstable. If your ankle has been fractured and you do not get medical attention, it can lead to long-term consequences. Much more commonly they occur with a lateral malleolus fracture and are known as Bimalleolar Fractures. These injuries are inherently unstable and require surgical fixation. While each individual case is different, in general, it can take four to eight weeks for your ankle fracture to heal. On the other hand, the doctor may advise continuing crutches to prevent falls, for the additional benefit against further fracture displacement / shifting, and to assure that bone healing will proceed properly. He is an excellent surgeon with a great bedside manner. They are commonly injured in the case of ankle sprains. Youre also at a higher risk of developing an infection or arthritis if you delay with your ankle fracture recovery. The. Assuming the bone is healed well, patients are then allowed to start weightbearing and to begin physical therapy. This form of regenerative medicine uses growth factors or proteins, which some . Thinning or damage to this cushion can lead to arthritis or inflammation in the joint. This decision is usually made at the time of surgery. Three bones make up the ankle joint. Isolated lateral malleolar fractures can be treated with or without surgery, depending on their location and placement. It is much easier to fix a fracture than to treat arthritis in the future. If you smoke, stop it can interfere with bone healing. the type of work that you do (sedentary off feet vs active on feet), your employers policies and capacity to offer modifications of your duties. Ankle fractures can be displaced (out of place) or non-displaced. This post chronicles the accident and recovery steps and will be updated periodically over the next few months. Posterior Malleolus Fractures You may remove the walking boot whenever seated or lying down, in a safe controlled environment. Trimalleolar fracture is a specific injury in the ankle, where three areas known as the malleoli break simultaneously. X-rays are usually required to determine whether there is a broken bone as opposed to a soft-tissue injury like a sprain, since ankle sprains and breaks have similar symptoms. You might need this procedure to treat your broken ankle. When the avulsion fracture occurs, immediately wrap your ankle with a compression wrap or elastic bandage. About Mark Reed. Patients experience pain, ankle swelling, clicking in the ankle. Ankle arthroscopy can help locate and remove the loose bodies. Often, surgery is needed to make the ankle joint stable. Electronic and Ultrasonic Bone Stimulation No matter what method is used to treat the break, the bone takes the same amount of time to heal, usually 6-10 weeks. Foot and ankle conditions can include fractures, sprains, ligament tears, tendonitis, arthritis, bunions and more. As the number of fracture lines increase, so does the risk of long-term joint damage. 2409 North 45th Street, Seattle, WA 98103, 5350 Tallman Ave NW Ste 500, Seattle, WA 98107, Non-operative Treatment of an Ankle Fracture. Based on the x-rays and how you are physically coming along, you will typically be given instructions for weaning from a removable walking cast to regular footwear. Stretch the Achilles by placing a towel across the ball of your foot and pulling up. The way in which the bone breaks defines . Oftentimes patients who try to work through their foot fracture will experience back or hip pain because of the added stress being placed on these areas. Treatment may entail surgery to remove an infection if present, to better stabilize the fracture, or to stimulate bone growth with a bone graft. Conclusions: There is significant variation among orthopaedic surgeons when selecting period of non-weight bearing after fixation of ankle fractures, with both injury pattern and medical comorbidity playing a role in decision of time to keep patient non-weight bearing. But they can also be caused by a high-force impact, such as from a fall or automobile collision. Non-weight bearing is absolute no weight of the healing leg. The procedure usually takes a few hours. The fracture is relatively non-displaced (not shifted more than 2mm). Failure to get timely treatment could cause foot deformities that can interfere with walking, running or even completing daily tasks. Generally, non-surgical management (with a cast) is recommended if; Examples of fractures that were treated non-operatively (no surgery). She was very thorough and extremely friendly. On occasion the ligament holding the two main bones of the ankle can be disrupted. Nondisplaced vs. displaced ankle fractures Within each of the above types, the fracture will be either: Nondisplaced - Bones are broken but still in correct position and alignment. Non-Surgical Treatment of Fractures When possible, we prefer to treat fractures with minimally invasive, non-surgical methods. At the six-week visit, X-rays are obtained. Detailed recovery / rehabilitation protocol: Phase I: Weeks 1-3. For lower body issues such as plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, stress fractures, and various other ankle pains, cold laser therapy from Hecker Sports and Regenerative Medicine can non-invasively reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. On rare occasions some medial malleolar fractures still require a plate. However, certain conditions, especially acute injuries such as ankle fractures, may require immediate surgery. Another common treatment method in non-surgical fractures is casting or splinting. They can also be injured in connection with ankle fractures. Get quick access to an HSS orthopedic surgeon. Ankle fractures typically take 10-12 weeks to fully heal. . In fact, whenever possible, non-surgical treatment is preferrable. The talus (or"ankle bone")connects your leg to your foot. For the first couple of weeks, patients are in a splint and are elevating the limb 90% of the day. If you had to have surgery,it could take up to several months. Therapy After your bone has healed, you'll probably need to loosen up stiff muscles and ligaments in your ankles and feet. Doctors think of the ankle as having three sides and a "roof," and fractures can occur in each of these areas or in combination. the bones to be moved back into place by a doctor (they'll give you an injection to numb your ankle) surgery to fix the broken bones; You'll usually have follow-up appointments to check your ankle is healing properly. A non-union is a broken bone that did not heal properly. What is the recovery time of a broken ankle? Perhaps the most important classification of ankle fracture to both the doctor and the patient is whether the fracture will need surgical correction or not. As orthopedic specialists, we want to help you maintain your active lifestyle in the safest way possible. Complications may include an associated high ankle sprain, compartment syndrome, stiffness, malunion, and post-traumatic arthritis.. Ankle fractures may result from excessive stress on the joint such as from rolling . Recovery time will depend on the severity of the initial injury but it often takes a year or more before patients reach their point of maximal improvement. This allows patients to start moving the ankle and to shower. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today. I was very impressed with how fast I got in, had x-rays, and met with her. I suffered a right ankle fracture on March 16, 2020. Secondary objectives are to compare the re-operation rate, time to union and complications between the two treatment groups. This procedure uses a low-level laser to penetrate the skin and stimulate tissue repair in a non-surgical manner. You are allowed to fully weight bear as tolerated in the walking boot. Medial malleolus is a part of ankle joint and ankle fracture is common with incidence of 174 cases per 100,000 adults per year. Be sure youre using appropriate and well-fitting shoes. The ankle joint is composed of the tibia, fibula and talus bones. Typical ankle fractures involve injury to one or more of these structures. Non-surgical treatment If your calcaneus is not out of place or only slightly out of place after the fracture, it is considered stable. Symptoms include bruising or discoloration as well as pain that spreads up from the foot. Because our surgeons are affiliated with five local hospitals and outpatient surgery centers, our patients have a choice of where theyd like to go. In addition, youll often hear a pop when an ankle fractures. He and Carly listen to my concerns, act promptly and work hard to make this journey the best it can be. He treats both adolescents and adults with a special focus on sports-related injuries, including ankle instability, cartilage lesions, and Achilles tendon injuries. I have recovered nicely and plan to have my other knee replaced within the next year. Broken ankles are painful and temporarily disabling. The fibula helps stabilize and support your leg, body, ankle, and leg muscles. There is a cushion or lining between the bones, which is called cartilage. If this is what's right for your type of fracture, your recovery may involve: Wearing high-top tennis shoes to protect your ankle as it heals If your ankle has been fractured and you do not get medical attention, it can lead to long-term consequences. Hold the stretch for a five-count and do 5 repetitions. The most common symptoms of an ankle fracture are pain and swelling, either of which may be present only in the ankle region itself or spread to parts of the foot or up toward the knee. Three week versus six week immobilisation for stable Weber B type ankle fractures: randomised, multicentre, non . A broken ankle is a fracture or multiple fractures of one or more of three bones in the ankle joint: the tibia (shinbone), the fibula (outer bone of the lower leg), and the talus. The walking boot is in place to protect rather than immobilize the fracture. I would like you to come out of the boot/brace to work on the following exercises, twice daily: Write the alphabet with your foot. The deltoid ligament is found on the inner part of the ankle and provides the majority of the stability of the ankle. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Isolated lateral malleolar fractures can be treated with or without surgery, depending on their location and placement. Much like the medial malleolus, isolated Posterior Malleolar Fractures are extremely rare. A cast or walking boot can help stabilize your foot while keeping the rest of your body aligned. The goal is to have the bones heal as closely to perfect as possible so as to prevent any residual instability or malalignment of the bone. After surgery, patients are typically not weightbearing for 4 to 6 weeks until the bone heals. The goals of non-surgical management of ankle fractures are: The general risks and complications of ankle fractures may include: Of course, the biggest concern during your healing is to prevent the fracture from shifting further, which would then create a higher risk for chronic ankle joint pain and degenerative arthritis. The treatment will be based on fracture alignment and stability of the ankle. From the front desk to the lab, they are great. Our surgeons perform complex non-union surgical repair with vascularized bone grafting. The goal of this protocol is to provide a clinical guideline for the non-surgical and post-surgical course of physical therapy for a patient who has suffered an ankle fracture. View all posts by Mark Reed . Edema control / swelling control. This is usually a higher energy traumatic injury resulting from a fall from a height. Same and next-day access to orthopedic care. Overview. Non-surgical treatment when the ankle is stable can consist of several supportive elements. Need to aska question, email your doctor, search our Phone Directory, talk to a pharmacist or advice nurse, get the information you need. Many times a couple of screws can be passed from the front of the ankle to the back or from the back to the front to hold the fracture. Displaced Fractured portions of bone are separated or misaligned. After the fractures are stabilized with screws and/or plates, the syndesmosis is tested for stability. Bimalleolar ankle fracture: This second-most common type involves breaks of both the lateral malleolus and of the medial malleolus, the knobby bump on the inside of the ankle (in the lower portion of the tibia). Mark Reed, MD Bimalleolar Fractures. They are also common in the navicular bone, which is separate from the ankle, but lies directly beneath the talus. Learn how we can help. Once you are comfortable at this level, you may reintroduce higher-impact, straight-line activities (jogging, running). Lateral Malleolus Fractures The body begins healing itself by forming a blood clot around the injury. For OCD patients, arthroscopic surgery involves scraping away the damaged cartilage . Ankle Surgery Surgery may be not be necessary for many ankle problems; therapy and medications may be enough to resolve the issue. This will also help to minimize pain because it holds your ankle in place and limits movement. The purpose of this study was to assess the amount of post-operative pain medication being prescribed and how much of that medication was being consumed in patients who underwent an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of an ankle fracture. Stress fractures can occur in any of the three ankle bones, especially the tibia or fibula. Dr Goodin has replaced both of my knees this year with excellent results. The lower portion of the tibia forms the roof and medial (inside) of the ankle, while the lower portion of the fibula forms the lateral (outside) and posterior (back) of the ankle. This means that one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint are broken. There are many varieties of ankle fracture that can occur. A home physical therapy rehab program may be recommended by your surgeon, and there is typically no need for formal physical therapy appointments, The total recovery time (until swelling/tenderness/stiffness have resolved and near-full functional capacity is regained): 12 months. Much more commonly they occur with both medial and lateral malleolar fractures, known as a Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture. In fact, at the Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic, we always implement conservative approaches to treatment. Distal fibula fractures are the most common type at the ankle and are usually the result of an . Reduce activity level, rest, and elevate the affected limb as much as possible every day for at least 2-3 weeks longer, if recommended by the doctor. Splints, casts, ankle braces and walking boots are all used to treat these injuries depending on the fracture type and patient characteristics. These types of fractures can be very disabling. You may apply ice pack behind your knee for 30 minutes, several times per day for the first two weeks. These fractures can often be treated successfully without surgery. The most common surgery for a broken ankle is open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), which uses metal rods, plates and screws to realign your bone or bones. As soon as pain begins to improve, these medications can be stopped. Consider removing throw rugs or other similar items that can create a tripping hazard. Dr. Yakkanti did my knee replacement in June. Nonsurgical treatment may be an option when the break is minor, the bones are in alignment, and the ankle is stable. Osteochondral defect (OCD): Fractures and sprains in the ankle region cause damage to cartilage and bone in the area leading to OCD. This boot should be worn at all times for at least a month, even to sleep. Treatment and recovery times for fibula fractures (injuries to the lower leg) depend on the injury pattern. But when ankles are badly broken, deformed, unstable or cause constant pain, surgery may be the only answer. Fractures that are inside a joint also require surgery to help minimize the likelihood of arthritis in the future. By comparison, a delayed union fracture does eventually heal, but it takes much longer than is typical. Allogenic Collagen Therapy commonly referred by some physicians as 'Stem cell' Therapy is gaining popularity as a non-surgical treatment designed to improve or alleviate foot and ankle pain caused by a tendon, ligament or cartilage injury, as well as arthritis. Non-surgical treatment Tibial fractures can be treated with or without surgery, depending on how bad the fracture is. Trimalleolar ankle fractures and pilon fractures have the most cartilage injury and, therefore, have a higher risk of arthritis in the future. Call our Ankle Fracture Line at 833.294.9759. Those with high energy, such as in a motor vehicle crash or with high falls, oftentimes have a worse prognosis depending on associated injuries to the articular cartilage. Medial malleolus bone is easily felt with hands on the inner side of the ankle. Nondisplaced Bones are broken but still in correct position and alignment. If weight bearing is allowed, the doctor may allow you to discontinue crutches as soon as you feel up to it, If weight bearing is not allowed, you will be required to use crutches or a walker. If you would like more information about non-surgical treatments for a foot or ankle condition, call (855) 999-4641 or find a foot and ankle specialist using our online physician directory. ), because they can interfere with bone healing. Ligaments connect bone to bone to provide stability of the joints. This type of surgery is usually performed under general anesthetic. It seemed to be a very busy day. Pain Management A broken ankle can be very painful, no matter how serious the injury. Hoag Orthopedic Institute focuses on tailored treatment and a comprehensive approach to patient care. Do two repetitions. Isolated medial malleolus fractures are rare. Click here for treatment details. 5.7k views Reviewed >2 years ago. . 4130 Dutchman's Lane,Suite 300,Louisville 40207(502) 897-1794, 3605 Northgate Court,Suite 207,New Albany 47150(812) 920-0408, 2022 Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic | Follow Us on Facebook. By comparison, a delayed union fracture does eventually heal, but it takes much longer than is typical. Maintain the fracture in its present alignment and prevent any further displacement /shifting, Provide sufficient support and stability to allow the bone to properly heal, Failure of bone healing (delayed or non-healing of bone), Malalignment and deformity (malunion of bone), Growth disturbance (particularly with growth center injuries in children), Blood clots in the leg (deep venous thrombosis), Blot clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS or RSD), Tendon injury or disruption of tendon function, Circulation disturbance of soft tissues or bone (including avascular necrosis of bone), Transfer of pain, fracture, or callus to new site, Premature weight bearing (when non-weight bearing has been recommended), Excess weight bearing (when weight bearing is allowed), Some medications (such as prednisone and anti-inflammatory medications). Early and correct intervention is the key to preserving the ankle joint over the long term. The doctor may allow you to discontinue crutches as soon as you feel up to it. Medial malleolus is a part of ankle joint and lower end of the lower leg bone known as tibia. I was able to get a office visit on short notice. Other radiology imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI, may be needed to determine the full scope of the injury. Bimalleolar and trimalleolar ankle fractures are specific types of injuries that commonly occur because of trauma, such as slips on the ice, a fall down stairs, sports injuries, and car crashes. The doctor will give you your specific instructions. If surgery is needed, one of the most common procedures to help a fractured ankle is an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The lateral malleolus is treated with a plate and screws as usual. At the Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center, our orthopedic specialists are experts at diagnosing and treating foot and ankle injuries. Ankle fracture repair requires a general anesthesia for this procedure, and . The most common nonsurgical treatment is a bone stimulator. Appointments 216.444.2606 Appointments & Locations Request an Appointment Symptoms and Causes Management and Treatment In some cases, where medical or other health circumstances may be present, non-surgical management of an ankle fracture may be recommended, even though the above two criteria may not be present. 1 Introduction1.1 Classification2 Clinical Features2.1 Ottawa Ankle Rules3 Investigations4 Management4.1 Surgical Management5 Complications6 Key Points7 Ankle Sprain Introduction Ankle fractures are a common injury, more common in younger males or older females, and account for around 10% of all fractures seen in the trauma setting. Ice pack the fracture area for 15-20 minutes, three times per day for at least 2-3 weeks. If there is no displacement, you might have a splint placed on your lower leg. Sometimes the fractured posterior malleolus piece is too small to fix with a plate or screws, while other fractures require stabilization. Even then, mild to moderate symptoms may persist for years despite complete radiographic healing. Follow the weight bearing recommendations of the doctor. The time needed for off work is dependent on: For a great general resource for foot and ankle fractures, please review Foot and Ankle Fractures Patient Resources developed by the Foot and Ankle Surgery Department at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Santa Rosa. Ankle Fracture Surgery Edited by Paul Juliano, MD Indications Ankle fracture surgery is indicated for patients who suffer a displaced unstable ankle fracture involving either the bone on the inside of the ankle (the medial malleolus), the bone on the outside of the ankle (the lateral malleolus which is also known as the fibula), or both. Medial Malleolus Fractures With a bimalleolar fracture, bones on both the inner and outer side of the ankle are injured. When ligaments are torn and associated with an ankle fracture, this damage can render the ankle unstable. In others, the need for surgery may be determined by the total number of fractures present at the ankle and the degree of instability that they create for the ankle joint. Read thebelow articles fordiscussions onpediatric ankle fractures and stress fractures. However, the medial malleolus is typically treated with screws alone. The splint allows enough flexibility for swelling in a safe manner while keeping movement down to a minimum. I have always been impressed with her knowledge and bed side manner. Dr. Gregory Harvey answered Orthopedic Surgery 39 years experience Fibula fracture: Does not sound like the fracture is healed yet. The doctor will recommend either, a non-removable cast, or removable walking cast depending on the inherent stability and risk level of the fracture. 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