![]() Breaks of multiple bones are described by how many bones are broken such as bimalleolar or trimalleolar fractures. Fractures of one bone include lateral malleolus fractures, medical malleolus fractures and posterior malleolus fractures. These fractures are described according to where and how the bones break. ![]() In general, the more bones that are broken and the farther apart the pieces are, the more serious the injury. Any of these bones can break in a variety of different ways. The ankle is made up of three bones: the tibia, the fibula and the talus. There is a huge spectrum of injury from those that are very minor and need no treatment to those which require multiple surgeries. John Zebrack, MD General Orthopedic SurgeryĪ broken ankle or fractured ankle involves a break to one or more bones that make up the ankle joint. Jeffrey Webster, MD General Orthopedic Surgery Nichole Joslyn, MD Hand & Upper Extremity Thomas Christensen, MD Hand & Upper Extremity James Christensen, MD Hand & Upper Extremity Wearing an ankle brace after healing can help prevent future injury during daily activities.Nikola Babovic, MD Hand & Upper Extremity Initial healing may be complete within 3-4 months, but it can take up to 2 years for an ankle fracture to heal. After about six weeks, you will be able to begin rehabilitation. Sutures will be removed after two weeks and you will go to a removable boot. ![]() Weight bearing activity will be prohibited for 4-6 weeks after surgery. Pain will be managed with oral medications that reduce the need for the use of opioids. After surgery you will find your leg is splinted or in a cast. If ligaments are damaged, they will be repaired during surgery.Īfter surgery, rehabilitation is essential to restore strength and mobility. During surgery the surgeon will reposition the bone into normal alignment and hold the repair together with screws and plates or rods until healed. The surgical procedure is called an open reduction with internal fixation. Surgery is often delayed until swelling has reduced to enhance wound healing. The goal of surgery is anatomical reconstruction of the joint and protection of any injured ligaments to allow for postsurgical rehabilitation. Surgery may also be recommended following a closed reduction and nonsurgical treatment that failed to properly heal. Criteria for surgery include an unstable ankle, the bones are out of alignment and need open reduction, and when the break involves the joint. Surgery will be recommended when the break is serious and cannot heal without surgery.Healing of a broken bone generally takes 6 weeks. Repeated ankle x-rays will be needed to assure bone fragments have not moved out of place. Protection may include a splint, cast or removable brace and crutches to prevent weight bearing during healing. The goal is to protect the fractured bone while it heals. However, if the bone has moved out of place and can be put back in to position – a procedure called closed reduction nonsurgical treatment may be sufficient. Nonsurgical treatment may be an option when the break is minor, the bones are in alignment, and the ankle is stable.When two or three parts of the malleoli of the ankle are broken, the ankle is unstable, and surgery is necessary. The most common types of ankle fracture involve a lateral malleolus fracture and a bimalleolar fracture that breaks both the fibula and the tibia. The fracture is described as a uni-, bi- or trimalleolar fracture. Treatment options depend on the type, location and severity of fracture and any associated soft tissue injuries, your health, age and activity level. AT OANC, your orthopedic surgeon will conduct a complete assessment of the injury and determine the type of fracture and the best option how to restore the ankle function What are the treatment options? Treatment depends on the careful identification of bone, soft tissue and ligament damage. Classification of an ankle fracture is important when deciding on the best treatment. Ankle fractures are common accounting for about five million ER visit in the US in 2018.
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