An ankle fracture is a common foot and ankle injury caused by various stressful events or accidents. The severity of these fractures varies, so getting the correct diagnosis and care is essential for a full recovery and long-term ankle health.
What Are the Different Types of Ankle Fractures?
There are several types of ankle fractures that typically depend on the position of the ankle during the time of the injury. For an accurate diagnosis and course of treatment, it is essential to identify the particular form of fracture.
What is a Lateral Malleolus Fracture?
A lateral malleolus fracture affects the smaller bone which is located on the outside of the ankle, the fibula. A rolling or inversion twisting injury usually causes it.
What is a Medial Malleolus Fracture?
A medial malleolus fracture involves the innermost portion of the ankle. It frequently results from severe force or direct trauma to the inside of the ankle.
What is a Bimalleolar Fracture?
Both the lateral and medial malleoli are involved in a bimalleolar fracture, which is typically brought on by higher-energy trauma such as a violent twist, a fall from a height, or a car collision.
What is a Trimalleolar Fracture?
A trimalleolar fracture is the most severe kind of ankle fracture, involving fractures of the posterior portion of the tibia and the medial and lateral malleoli. The ankle joint frequently needs to be stabilized surgically.
What is a Maisonneuve Fracture?
A Maisonneuve fracture entails a proximal fibula spiral fracture, frequently accompanied by a tibiofibular syndesmosis tear and a deltoid ligament disruption. A high-energy rotational injury usually causes it.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Ankle Fractures
Severe pain, bruising, swelling, the inability to bear weight on the injured ankle, and deformity or misalignment of the ankle joint are common signs of ankle fractures. However, not every ankle fracture has all of these symptoms. Dr. Neumann usually diagnoses ankle fractures using a combination of history, physical examination, and X-rays. She occasionally may request more sophisticated imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan to further determine the severity of the injury.
Ankle Fracture Treatment Options
Depending on the type and extent of the fracture, there are different treatments for ankle fractures. Non-surgical methods include rest, ice, elevation, immobilization with a brace, cast, or splint; and physical therapy may be adequate for recovery in certain situations. More complicated fractures, however, would necessitate surgery to straighten and stabilize the bones using plates, screws, or other fixation tools. Physical therapy rehabilitation is crucial after surgery to help the injured ankle regain strength, flexibility, and function.
When treating an ankle fracture, Dr. Julie Neumann begins by thoroughly assessing each patient's health. Because of her experience, she can recommend customized, state of the art surgical methods based on a variety of factors for the best possible results. Furthermore, Dr. Neumann stresses the importance of an organized rehabilitation program to restore function, strength, and flexibility following surgery. This all-encompassing strategy promotes long-term musculoskeletal health by repairing the bones and ligaments to give you the best chance to return to activities and sports at your preinjury level.
