An ankle fracture is a very serious condition in which the bones of the ankle joint break. The Tibia, fibula break along with damage to the ligamentous structure. This usually happens when a rotation force, fall from a height, or crush injury occurs. If left untreated this can lead to long term pain, deformity, and arthritis in the ankle joint.
Ankle Fracture
Causes
-Fall from height
-Rotational Injury (most common)
-Sports Injury
-Car accident
-Crush injuries
Symptoms
-Pain with palpation of the tibia, fibula
-Inability to walk
-Open bony protrusion
-Foot and ankle deformity
-Dislocation of the ankle joint
Treatment Plan
X-rays/CT/MRI scans may be performed to visualize the fractures and determine the mechanism of injury. This allows the surgeon to come up with a treatment plan
Conservative– Rest, Ice, Elevation, Compression. This treatment is reserved for patients with minimal displacement and stable fracture patterns. Patients are usually placed in a cast/cam walker boot. This is also done to allow for swelling to decrease in preparation for surgical correction. Patients are usually NWB during the healing phase. Bone takes about 6 weeks to heal.
Surgical– This is for patients with displaced or unstable fracture patterns. Patients will require the use of plates and screws. Patients may also require repair of the syndesmosis (a fibrous connection between the Tibia and Fibula).
Post-op Protocole: Non-weight bearing for 2 weeks then transition to partial weight-bearing till 6 weeks. Transition to regular shoes at 6 weeks.
