Images of fractured ankle. Understanding Fractured Ankles: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

21.08.202325.06.2023 by alexxlab

What are the common causes of fractured ankles. How can you recognize the symptoms of an ankle fracture. What are the most effective treatment options for a broken ankle. How long does it typically take for a fractured ankle to heal. What are the potential complications of an untreated ankle fracture.

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The Anatomy of the Ankle: Understanding the Basics

The ankle is a complex joint that plays a crucial role in our mobility and balance. It consists of three main bones: the tibia (shinbone), fibula (calf bone), and talus (ankle bone). These bones are held together by ligaments, which provide stability and allow for a range of motion. Understanding the anatomy of the ankle is essential for comprehending how fractures occur and their potential impact on overall foot function.

Key Components of the Ankle Joint

Bones: Tibia, fibula, and talus
Ligaments: Anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, and posterior talofibular
Tendons: Achilles tendon, posterior tibial tendon, and peroneal tendons
Cartilage: Cushions the joint and allows for smooth movement

How does the ankle’s structure contribute to its vulnerability to fractures? The ankle’s complex architecture, while providing stability and flexibility, also makes it susceptible to injury. The bones’ positioning and the constant stress placed on the joint during everyday activities can lead to fractures, especially when subjected to sudden force or twisting motions.

Common Causes of Ankle Fractures: From Sports Injuries to Everyday Accidents

Ankle fractures can occur due to various reasons, ranging from high-impact sports injuries to simple missteps in daily life. Understanding these causes can help in prevention and prompt recognition of potential fractures.

Sports-Related Ankle Fractures

Many ankle fractures occur during sports activities, particularly those involving rapid changes in direction or jumping. Which sports are most commonly associated with ankle fractures?

Basketball: Quick pivots and jumps can lead to landing awkwardly
Soccer: Tackles and sudden stops can twist the ankle
Gymnastics: High-impact landings put significant stress on the ankles
Snowboarding: Rigid boots can transfer force directly to the ankle during falls

Everyday Accidents Leading to Ankle Fractures

Not all ankle fractures are the result of athletic pursuits. Many occur during routine daily activities. What are some common everyday scenarios that can result in a fractured ankle?

Slipping on icy or wet surfaces
Tripping over uneven pavement or obstacles
Falling from a height, even just a few steps
Twisting the ankle while walking on uneven terrain
Car accidents, where the ankle is compressed against the floor

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of an Ankle Fracture

Identifying an ankle fracture promptly is crucial for proper treatment and recovery. While some symptoms may be obvious, others can be more subtle. How can you differentiate between a sprain and a fracture?

Immediate Signs of an Ankle Fracture

Intense pain, often described as sharp or stabbing
Inability to bear weight on the affected foot
Visible deformity or misalignment of the ankle
Swelling that develops rapidly after the injury
Bruising that appears shortly after the incident

Less Obvious Symptoms to Watch For

Some ankle fractures may not present with dramatic symptoms initially. What are some less apparent signs that could indicate a fracture?

Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest
A “popping” or “cracking” sound at the time of injury
Numbness or tingling in the foot
Difficulty moving the toes
Increased pain when touching specific areas of the ankle

When experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis can significantly impact the treatment approach and recovery time.

Diagnostic Procedures: Confirming an Ankle Fracture

Accurate diagnosis is essential for developing an effective treatment plan for an ankle fracture. Healthcare professionals employ various methods to confirm the presence and extent of a fracture.

Imaging Techniques for Ankle Fracture Diagnosis

Which imaging methods are commonly used to diagnose ankle fractures, and what information do they provide?

X-rays: The primary tool for identifying bone fractures, showing the location and severity of the break
CT (Computed Tomography) scans: Provide detailed 3D images, useful for complex fractures or when X-rays are inconclusive
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Offers detailed images of soft tissues, helping to identify ligament or tendon damage associated with the fracture
Bone scans: Can detect stress fractures that may not be visible on X-rays

Physical Examination and Medical History

In addition to imaging, healthcare providers conduct thorough physical examinations and take detailed medical histories. What aspects of the examination are crucial for diagnosing an ankle fracture?

Visual inspection for swelling, bruising, and deformity
Palpation to identify areas of tenderness and potential bone displacement
Range of motion tests to assess joint stability and pain levels
Neurovascular examination to check for any nerve or blood vessel damage
Discussion of the injury mechanism and medical history to understand the context of the fracture

Treatment Options for Ankle Fractures: From Conservative Approaches to Surgery

The treatment of ankle fractures varies depending on the severity and location of the break. Healthcare providers consider multiple factors when developing a treatment plan.

Non-Surgical Treatment Methods

For less severe fractures, non-surgical approaches may be sufficient. What are the primary conservative treatment options for ankle fractures?

Immobilization: Using casts, splints, or boots to keep the ankle stable
RICE protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation to manage pain and swelling
Pain management: Over-the-counter or prescription medications to alleviate discomfort
Gradual weight-bearing: Controlled increase in activity as healing progresses
Physical therapy: Exercises to restore strength and range of motion

Surgical Interventions for Ankle Fractures

In cases of severe or unstable fractures, surgery may be necessary. What surgical techniques are commonly employed to treat ankle fractures?

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): Using plates, screws, or rods to realign and stabilize the bones
External fixation: Applying an external frame to hold the bones in place, often used for complex or open fractures
Arthroscopy: Minimally invasive procedure to address cartilage damage associated with the fracture
Bone grafting: Adding bone material to promote healing in severe fractures
Ligament repair or reconstruction: Addressing ligament damage that often accompanies fractures

The choice between conservative and surgical treatment depends on factors such as fracture type, patient age, overall health, and activity level. A thorough discussion with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Recovery and Rehabilitation: The Road to Healing After an Ankle Fracture

Recovering from an ankle fracture is a gradual process that requires patience and dedication. Understanding the stages of recovery and the importance of rehabilitation can help patients set realistic expectations and achieve optimal outcomes.

Stages of Ankle Fracture Recovery

What are the typical phases of recovery following an ankle fracture, and what can patients expect during each stage?

Acute phase (0-2 weeks): Focus on pain management and protection of the fracture site
Immobilization phase (2-6 weeks): Maintaining stability with a cast or boot while initial healing occurs
Early mobilization phase (6-12 weeks): Gradual introduction of weight-bearing and gentle exercises
Strengthening phase (3-6 months): Progressive increase in activity and targeted exercises to rebuild strength and flexibility
Return to full function (6+ months): Continued rehabilitation to regain pre-injury capabilities

The Role of Physical Therapy in Ankle Fracture Rehabilitation

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovering from an ankle fracture. How does physical therapy contribute to the healing process, and what types of exercises are typically included?

Range of motion exercises: Gentle movements to prevent stiffness and improve flexibility
Strengthening exercises: Targeted activities to rebuild muscle strength around the ankle
Balance and proprioception training: Exercises to improve stability and reduce the risk of future injuries
Gait training: Techniques to ensure proper walking mechanics as weight-bearing increases
Sport-specific exercises: For athletes returning to their chosen activities

Adhering to a structured rehabilitation program under the guidance of a physical therapist is essential for achieving optimal recovery and reducing the risk of long-term complications.

Preventing Ankle Fractures: Strategies for Reducing Your Risk

While not all ankle fractures can be prevented, there are several strategies individuals can employ to reduce their risk of experiencing this painful injury.

Lifestyle Modifications for Ankle Fracture Prevention

What daily habits and lifestyle changes can help protect against ankle fractures?

Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the ankles
Wearing appropriate footwear for different activities and surfaces
Being mindful of surroundings, especially on uneven terrain
Improving home safety by removing tripping hazards and ensuring adequate lighting
Practicing good nutrition to support bone health

Exercise and Training Techniques to Strengthen Ankles

Regular exercise can significantly improve ankle strength and stability. Which exercises are particularly beneficial for preventing ankle fractures?

Balance exercises: Single-leg stands, wobble board training
Ankle strengthening: Resistance band exercises, calf raises
Proprioception drills: Exercises that challenge your sense of joint position
Flexibility work: Regular stretching of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon
Low-impact cardio: Activities like swimming or cycling to maintain overall fitness without excessive stress on the ankles

Incorporating these preventive measures into daily life can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing an ankle fracture, allowing individuals to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle with greater confidence.

Long-Term Outlook: Life After an Ankle Fracture

Understanding the potential long-term effects of an ankle fracture is crucial for patients as they navigate their recovery and plan for the future. While many individuals recover fully and return to their pre-injury activities, some may experience lasting impacts.

Potential Long-Term Consequences of Ankle Fractures

What are some of the possible long-term effects that individuals might experience following an ankle fracture?

Chronic pain or discomfort, particularly during high-impact activities
Reduced range of motion in the ankle joint
Increased risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis
Persistent swelling or stiffness, especially after prolonged activity
Changes in gait or walking pattern
Increased susceptibility to future ankle injuries

Strategies for Optimizing Long-Term Outcomes

How can individuals maximize their chances of a full recovery and minimize long-term complications following an ankle fracture?

Adhering strictly to the prescribed treatment and rehabilitation plan
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and weight management
Engaging in regular, low-impact exercise to maintain ankle strength and flexibility
Being mindful of footwear choices and using supportive shoes or orthotics if recommended
Avoiding high-risk activities or using proper protective gear when participating in sports
Attending follow-up appointments and addressing any concerns promptly with healthcare providers

By taking a proactive approach to long-term care and management, many individuals can successfully navigate life after an ankle fracture and maintain a high quality of life. It’s important to remember that each person’s recovery journey is unique, and working closely with healthcare professionals can help tailor strategies to individual needs and goals.

Broken Ankle Stock Photos and Images

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Broken Ankle Symptoms, Causes, Pictures, Treatments, and Rehab

A broken ankle is also called a fractured ankle. It happens when one or more bones in the ankle joint break. If you’ve been injured, have pain, and can’t walk or move your foot, you may have broken your ankle.

The ankle joint is made up of the following bones:

The tibia is the larger bone in your lower leg. It’s also called the shinbone.
The fibula, also called the calf bone, is the smaller bone in your lower leg.
The talus is the small bone between the heel bone, or calcaneus, and the tibia and fibula.

A broken ankle is very painful.

Broken ankle X-ray photos

X-rays can show the location, type, and severity of your ankle break.

This will help your doctor determine the appropriate way to treat your injury.

You might hear the bone break at the time of injury. It may sound like a snapping or grinding noise. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), other symptoms include:

severe pain
swelling
tenderness
bruising
difficultly walking or moving foot
difficulty bearing weight
foot that appears to be crooked or dislocated
dizziness, from pain
bone sticking out of the skin
bleeding, if the bone pierces the skin

A broken ankle isn’t the same as a sprained ankle. A sprained ankle happens when ligaments tear or stretch. Ligaments are tough tissue that connects one bone to another.

If your ankle is sprained, you’ll have pain and swelling. The type of sprain will determine the degree of pain and swelling: a grade 1 sprain will have a little swelling, but a grade 3 sprain may have significant swelling. You may or may not be able to put weight on your ankle just after the injury.

A broken ankle can be just as painful as, if not more painful than, a sprain. Right after breaking an ankle, you may or may not be able to walk or place weight on the ankle. It depends on the type and cause of the fracture (a motor vehicle accident versus a fall, for example). You may or may not have severe bruising and swelling.

The only way to determine if there is a fracture or sprain is to visit a doctor.

To diagnose your injury, your doctor will do different tests. They might include:

Physical exam. The doctor will examine your ankle for swelling and tenderness. If there is tenderness over a ligament, the injury is most likely a sprain. If tenderness is over the bone, it’s most likely a fracture. They might also move your foot around to determine your range of motion.
X-ray. An X-ray lets a doctor see the location, type, and severity of the break.
Stress test. A stress test determines if a sprained ankle needs surgery. A doctor will place pressure on the ankle and take an X-ray. If the joint opens up, this indicates a grade 3 tear that may need to be repaired.
CT scan. A CT scan provides more detailed images by taking multiple cross-sectional pictures of the ankle.
MRI scan. An MRI scan uses a magnetic field and radio waves to show the bones and surrounding tissue. It can help the doctor find fractures that don’t show up on X-rays. It can also see tears in the ligaments.

A broken ankle occurs when too much force is placed on the ankle. The most common causes include:

Trips and falls. Losing your balance may lead to trips and falls, which can place excessive weight on your ankle. This might happen if you walk on an uneven surface, wear ill-fitting shoes, or walk around without proper lighting.
Heavy impact. The force of a jump or fall can result in a broken ankle. It can happen even if you jump from a low height.
Missteps. You can break your ankle if you put your foot down awkwardly. Your ankle might twist or roll to the side as you put weight on it.
Sports. High impact sports involve intense movements that place stress on the joints, including the ankle. Examples of high impact sports include soccer, football, and basketball.
Car collisions. The sudden, heavy impact of a car accident can cause broken ankles. Often, these injuries need surgical repair.
Overuse. Repetitive force or trauma to the ankle can cause a stress fracture, which is a small crack in the bone. This type of injury is often seen in runners and other athletes.
Trauma. Intense force to the ankle can cause crush injury and fracture. This could be caused by a heavy object falling on the foot or heavy machinery running over the ankle.

The type and severity of an ankle break depends on the amount of force that caused it. According to the Hospital for Special Surgery, types of ankle break injuries include:

Lateral malleolus fracture

This break occurs at the bottom of the fibula. It involves the bony “knob” outside of your ankle called the lateral malleolus, according to a 2019 study.

Lateral malleolus fractures are the most common type of ankle break.

Nondisplaced vs. displaced ankle fractures

Penn Medicine says that ankle fractures are often categorized as either displaced or nondisplaced.

With a displaced fracture, fragments of the bones that are broken may be separated or misaligned.

On the other hand, with a nondisplaced fracture, the broken bones remain in the correct position and retain their usual structure.

Medial malleolus fracture

A medial malleolus fracture happens at the end of the tibia. A 2019 review indicates that it specifically affects the medial malleolus, which is the knob on the inside of your ankle.

Bimalleolar ankle fracture

A bimalleolar ankle fracture involves both knobs in the ankle, which include the fibula (lateral malleolus) and tibia (medial malleolus). Based on a 2022 review, these almost always require surgery to repair.

It’s the second most common type of ankle break.

Bimalleolar equivalent fracture

A bimalleolar equivalent fracture means that in addition to one of the malleoli being fractured, the ligaments on the inside of the ankle are injured.

Posterior malleolus fracture

According to a 2016 review, a posterior malleolus fracture occurs on the back of the tibia.

Usually, this break happens with lateral malleolus fractures. That’s because the posterior malleolus and lateral malleolus share ligament attachments.

Trimalleolar fracture

A trimalleolar fracture involves all three parts of the ankle, which include the medial (inside), lateral (outside), and posterior (back) malleoli. A 2021 review suggests that, like a bimalleolar fracture, this usually requires surgery.

Pilon fracture

The AAOS says that a pilon fracture occurs in the “roof” of the ankle, which is at the end of the tibia. It’s also called a plafond fracture.

Pilon fractures are usually caused by high impact injuries like falls or car accidents.

Maisonneuve fracture

A Maisonneuve fracture, according to a 2020 study, includes two injuries: an ankle sprain and a break in the upper part of the fibula. The break is located near the knee.

This injury happens when you fall while rotating, causing the foot to awkwardly hit the ground. It’s most common in gymnasts, dancers, and skiers.

Syndesmotic injury

This injury affects the syndesmosis joint, which is located between the fibula and tibia. It’s held in place by ligaments.

If only the ligament is injured, it’s also called a high ankle sprain.

However, a 2016 review suggests that most syndesmotic injuries include a ligament sprain and at least one fracture.

Bosworth fracture

A Bosworth fracture is a type of fracture dislocation in which part of the fibula lodges behind the tibia.

According to a 2018 study, it occurs when the foot is rotated externally while supinated, meaning that weight is placed on the outer edges of the feet.

This type of fracture is very rare and usually requires surgical intervention.

Open ankle fracture

Open ankle fractures occur when there is a wound or break in the skin near the ankle. Typically, this occurs when a fragment of bone breaks through the skin during injury.

This type of fracture is treated differently than closed ankle fractures and often requires antibiotics to lower the risk of infection.

If you think you have a broken ankle, visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the National Health Service (NHS) says that you can do several other things to take care of yourself, including:

Keep weight off your foot. Elevate your ankle and prop it up on cushions.
Apply ice. This will minimize pain and swelling.
Apply pressure. If you’re bleeding, wrap the wound with a clean dressing.

If an auto collision or injury caused your broken ankle, or if the bone is sticking out of the skin, get medical help immediately.

The AAOS says that broken ankles generally heal within 6 to 12 weeks. Injuries that don’t need surgery may heal in 6 weeks. During this time, your doctor may take regular X-rays to check on the bone.

Injuries that need surgery can take 12 weeks or longer to heal. Your total recovery time depends on your injury, age, and overall health.

During recovery, it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations. This will help your broken ankle heal properly. Here’s what you can do to ensure a smooth recovery:

Avoid pressure. Try not to use your injured foot. When you walk or move, don’t apply weight on your ankle until your doctor allows you to do so.
Rest. Don’t carry heavy items or play sports. If you need to go somewhere, ask family or friends. Your doctor will tell you when it’s safe to use your ankle.
Physical therapy. When your bones start to heal, your doctor might have you do physical therapy. A physical therapist can show you how to exercise your ankle. These moves will strengthen the ankle bones.
Eat healthy. Like all injuries, a broken ankle needs enough nutrients to heal. Eating a balanced diet will support recovery.
If you smoke, consider quitting. Smoking slows down bone healing. Cigarette smoke has ingredients that disrupt your body’s ability to make new bone tissue. Quitting smoking can be difficult, but a doctor can help you create a smoking cessation plan right for you.
Attend follow-up appointments. During recovery, visit the doctor regularly. They’ll need to check that your bone is healing correctly.

Broken ankle — can you still walk?

Typically, a minor ankle fracture won’t prevent you from walking. You might even be able to walk right after the injury.

If you have a serious break, you’ll need to avoid walking for a few months. As your ankle gets better, you can slowly return to your usual activities.

A broken or fractured ankle occurs when one or more bones in your ankle break. These bones include the tibia, fibula, and talus.

Usually, ankle breaks are caused by falls, high impact sports, car accidents, or injuries that place excessive force on the ankle.

Treatment depends on the severity of the break. If you have a minor ankle break, you might get a walking boot, cast, or splint. If it’s serious, you might need surgery to realign the bone.

Recovery can take 6 to 12 weeks. Severe ankle breaks that need surgery may take longer.

How to recognize an ankle fracture and what to do next

Likbez

Health

May 5, 2021

Even if the injury is cured, it can remind of itself after many years.

When to seek urgent help

You need to go to the hospital exactly and as soon as possible if:

you have injured your ankle and now you cannot support your leg;
after an injury, the ankle has increased dramatically in size (swollen), looks deformed, or has become a distinct blue-black color;
sharp pain appears even when touching the ankle area, and it is completely impossible to turn the foot.

Never lean on your leg and ask someone to take you to the emergency room. If this is not possible, call an ambulance.

What is an ankle fracture

An ankle fracture is an injury that breaks or cracks one or more of the three bones that make up the ankle joint.

Big tibia. This is the larger of the two bones in the lower leg. Its outer edge forms a hard bony protrusion on the inside of the ankle joint – the so-called medial malleolus. People call it the ankle.
Small tibia. More subtle. Its lower edge (lateral malleolus) is palpable in the form of a bone on the outside of the ankle joint. In popular parlance, this is the outer side of the ankle.
Ram. This is the name of the sphenoid bone, on which the lower edges of the tibia and tibia rest.

Illustration: Alila Medical Media / Shutterstock

There are many ways to break any of the ankle bones. But most often this happens when a person unsuccessfully stands on his leg and twists it. Or he receives a direct blow, due to which one or both ankles suffer at once.

How to recognize an ankle fracture

In addition to the symptoms listed above, there may be less obvious signs of a fracture. Even if it seems to you that everything worked out and the injury is not very dangerous, be sure to contact a surgeon or a traumatologist in such cases:

Edema gradually increases.
You cannot move your ankle in the normal range of motion.
You feel insecure when you lean on your injured leg. Even if you can stand, this does not mean that there is no fracture.
You feel a snap or strange crack in your ankle when dropped or hit.
Ankle continues to hurt 3-4 days after a fall or impact.

An accurate diagnosis can only be made after an X-ray or (in more complex cases) a CT or MRI of the ankle joint.

How to treat a broken ankle

It depends on how severe the injury is.

If the fracture only affects one bone, and its segments are very close together, the surgeon will simply put a cast on the ankle and foot. You will have to walk in it for 6-8 weeks.

If the fracture is more extensive and the bones are displaced, they will have to be manually aligned. This process is called reduction. The procedure is quite painful, so it is carried out under anesthesia. Sometimes a local anesthetic is enough. But in some cases, sedative pills and muscle relaxants may be required. Which option of anesthesia will be more effective in your case, the doctor decides. After reduction, the ankle is again placed in a cast.

In the most severe fractures, the bone must be fixed in its normal position with special surgical screws, plates or pins. If these devices interfere with you, the surgeon will remove them after the bone heals.

After the cast is removed, your doctor will recommend exercises to restore joint mobility.

Why ankle fractures are dangerous

Even with qualified treatment, ankle fractures do not always go unnoticed. Sometimes they cause complications, for example:

Arthritis.
Compartmental syndrome. This is a condition in which blood circulation in the area of the affected joint is disturbed. Because of this, the ankle can constantly hurt, swell, and the muscles can atrophy.
Nerve or blood vessel injury. This is usually noticed by regularly occurring numbness, swelling, and circulatory problems.

Complications can occur months or even years after the injury. If you notice that your ankle has begun to hurt, be sure to contact the surgeon for an examination.

How to prevent an ankle fracture

From accidents and accidental falls, for example, in ice, no one is safe. However, there are ways to reduce the risk of fracture.

Choose your footwear wisely depending on the activity you are about to do. So, if you plan to spend the whole day on your feet, running up stairs and not the smoothest asphalt, give up stiletto sandals and choose shoes with stable heels. When hiking, wear high boots or sneakers with ankle support.
Change your sports shoes regularly. Discard your shoes as soon as the tread or heel wears out or if they wear unevenly. If you’re into running, buy a new pair every 400-600 miles.
Be sure to warm up before training. Especially those that involve jumping, running or climbing stairs, or other ankle stress.
Watch your diet. In order for the body to maintain bone strength, you must get enough calcium and vitamin D. Therefore, do not forget to include milk, yogurt, and cheese in your daily menu. And ask your GP if you should take vitamin D supplements.
Strengthen your ankle muscles. This is especially important if you find yourself twisting your leg every now and then. Ask your therapist to recommend exercises to strengthen your muscles.
Clean up the mess in the house. Small toys, scattered shoes, wires, bags, shopping bags – any of these items can be tripped over and injured.
Look under your feet.

All About Ankle Fracture

The most common ankle injury is an ankle fracture.
Such damage limits motor activity and disrupts the usual way of life, in addition, untimely treatment and an irresponsible approach to rehabilitation can cause serious complications.

In order to avoid adverse consequences, it is worth taking immediate measures, properly organizing orthopedic treatment and starting rehabilitation.

Where is the ankle?

Ankle is a bilateral bone process of the lower leg, consisting of the outer (lateral) and inner (medial) ankles.

The outer ankle is the distal end of the fibula that forms the lower leg. The tibia adjoins the inner.
They run parallel to each other and form a “corner” located at the junction of these parts. Visually, the ankle is a bony tubercle on both sides of the ankle.

The ankle is the most important part of the ankle and acts as a stabilizer. Due to high mechanical loads, it is most vulnerable to damage.

What can cause an ankle fracture

a strong blow or bruise
tucked foot
fall from a height or on an unstable surface

Symptoms of an ankle fracture

immediately after injury, there is a sharp pain that partially limits the mobility of the leg or completely blocks it
swelling at the site of injury
hematoma and deformity appear
maximum pain in the region of 3-4 cm above the ankle
diffuse bruising is observed when bone fragments are displaced
an “angle” appears between the lower leg and the distal limb
pathological mobility occurs
a characteristic crunch is clearly audible when moving a limb

The severity of symptoms directly depends on the complexity of the fracture and damage to the ligaments.

Types of ankle fractures

The tibiofibular syndesmosis is a bony junction consisting of three ankle ligaments.

Damage below the syndesmosis

isolated damage
violation of the integrity of the medial malleolus
violation of the integrity of the posterior medial edge

Injuries of the fibula at the level of syndesmosis

isolated fracture
with medial damage
damage to the medial part and a fracture of the posterolateral edge

Injuries above the syndesmosis

simple diaphyseal fracture of the fibula
multifragmented diaphyseal fracture of the fibula
proximal fibula fracture

Fracture diagnosis

The following diagnostic methods are used to confirm the fracture:

X-ray of the ankle in two projections
Computed tomography
Angiography
MRI (the most informative and safe technology)

Treatment

There are two types of ankle fracture treatment:

conservative
operational

To determine the optimal treatment tactics, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the injury, age, gender and the presence of pathologies.

Conservative treatment of ankle fractures
Treatment consists of manual anatomical reconstruction of the damaged joint, complete immobilization and treatment of damaged ligaments.

Conservative treatment is indicated for non-displaced ankle fractures, as well as for severe comorbidities or poor soft tissue condition when surgery is contraindicated.

Conservative methods include:

manual reposition of fragments
application of fixation plaster casts
immobilization with rigid orthoses
wearing orthopedic brace

Ankle fracture surgery
Surgery is appropriate for complex open fractures, fractures with displacement, and significant internal soft tissue injuries.

The operation must take place no later than 8 hours after the injury, before the formation of swelling of the tissues. Otherwise, the operation should be postponed until the swelling subsides. Before surgery, the fracture should be fixed with an incised plaster cast or skeletal traction.

In both cases, rehabilitation is accompanied by medication to relieve pain, relieve inflammation and prevent thrombosis.

Rehabilitation

Thanks to rehabilitation measures, it is possible to restore joint mobility, restore shape and eliminate the development of complications. A competent and responsible approach to rehabilitation, a well-designed plan of specially selected exercises will help you recover much faster and return to your previous full-fledged lifestyle after such a serious injury.

Neglect of these recommendations threatens with incorrect fusion of fragments, which threatens with serious consequences: false articulations, frequent subsequent dislocations, lameness, flat feet, as well as possible persistent pain and the development of deforming pseudarthrosis.

Recovery time
The term for achieving the first improvements, subject to all recommendations, directly depends on the complexity of the injury:

fracture without displacement – 1 week
displaced injuries and manual reduction of the fracture – 2 weeks
after surgery to reduce fragments – 3 weeks
2 months after avulsion of the tibial edge

On average, a simple fracture heals completely in 2. 5 months. A displaced fracture requires at least six months.

Training of the leg without crutches can be started 3 months after the fracture. The issue of returning to the usual way of life is decided individually. For example, you can return to sports only two years after the injury.

Cast alternative for broken ankles

For many years, the use of gypsum has been the gold standard in traumatology, but the heavy and completely non-breathable material practically does not transmit X-rays, and this greatly complicates the control of the rehabilitation process. Wearing a cast is accompanied by severe itching, and a lot of weight unnecessarily loads an already injured limb. The combination of these factors gave impetus to the search for new technologies in the treatment of such injuries.

Ankle fracture orthoses

In modern medical practice, an alternative to gypsum method of fixing injured limbs – orthoses – is increasingly being used.

The method is based on wearing a special orthopedic product at the site of a bone fracture, dislocation, soft tissue injury, to restore their previous performance.

The choice of an ankle brace for ankle fractures depends on the stage of the process. In the acute period, the choice of a doctor will stop at a rigid orthosis, which will eventually be replaced by a semi-rigid one, and then an elastic one.

Orthosis functions:

full or partial immobilization
direction or restriction of movement
reducing the load on the damaged area
prevention of secondary damage during early cast removal
shape correction
ease of movement or relief of pain

Indications for ankle orthoses
Direct indications for the use of orthoses include:

ankle fractures
dislocations and subluxations in the ankle area
ligament injuries of varying complexity
a whole range of inflammatory and degenerative diseases
ankle instability
childhood congenital anomalies, rickets and others
injury prevention in athletes and overweight people

Types of ankle orthoses:

Rigid (degree of fixation: full)

After fractures, long-term immobilization of the joint is necessary. With the task of long-term complete immobilization of the joint, a rigid orthosis does an excellent job. Such an orthosis contributes to the correct fusion of the bone so that the motor function is restored to the fullest extent.

The brace is a comfortable, breathable design that visually resembles a boot with zippers or Velcro.

Semi-rigid (Hold: strong)

The use of a semi-rigid orthosis is necessary during the rehabilitation period after an injury. which allows you to treat not only fractures, but also other diseases of the bone and articular systems.

Used for Achilles injuries and ligament injuries.
This orthosis fits into everyday shoes.

Stretch (hold: light, medium)

Used by athletes to prevent joint injuries. Such models are comfortable in everyday wear, as they do not cause discomfort.

The bandage will help to provide additional support to the ligaments and joints during intense activities, so that the likelihood of damage to them will be minimal. If you often run, play football, volleyball or other active sports, such devices are simply indispensable for you.

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#1424

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