What is an Ankle Fracture?
An ankle fracture is a very common injury where one or more bones break. It can involve anything from small bone cracks to severe breaks that pierce the skin. However, the ligaments may also be damaged worsening the injury. Some ankle fractures are not that severe. They may only require non-surgical treatment such as casting and res. But severe ankle fractures may require actual surgery.
Ankles are prone to injury. Feet and ankles contain more than one-quarter of all the bones in your body. Therfore, they support the entire body. Ankle fractures are often caused by rolling or twisting of the ankle, tripping or falling or during sports activities, and motor vehicle accidents.
What Are The Symptoms Of Ankle Fractures?
Ankles fractures are seen most often in athletes and people who are physically active. However, can occur from any number of injuries. Not all patients experience the same type of symptoms though. Considering that they vary depending on the severity and type of injury. Patients with mild fractures though have reported pain and discomfort. While some with very severe fractures may see a broken bone pop out of the skin. Thus, needing immediate surgery. The following symptoms indicate severity, such as:
- Swelling and bruising
- Throbbing, immediate mild to severe pain
- Pain increases during activity
- Deformity of the ankle
- Difficulty bearing weight or walking
Following an ankle injury, it is important to have the ankle evaluated by a specialist. This should be done for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your doctor will base the diagnosis on the injury history and physical examination of the ankle. Then based on an initial evaluation, your doctor may order X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan.
Treatment for Ankle Fractures
The treatment for an ankle fracture ranges from conservative to surgical. This varies depending on the symptoms, overall health and severity. Treating a non-surgical fracture involves immobilization, such as casting. However, if the bones are displaced and unaligned, surgery is recommended.
Broken Ankle Surgery
The goal of an ankle fracture surgery is to manually place the fractured bones in proper alignment. Then to stabilize them through the implantation of plates, rods, screws or wires. This is to ensure proper position during the healing process.
In most cases, an ankle fracture repair surgery is done outpatient. Allowing patients to go home the same day. Thus decreasing the risks of potential infection rate.
At Spine & Orthopedic Center, our top foot and ankle surgeons are here to help! Call us at 888-409-8006 for more information.