X-rays are the most common and widely available diagnostic imaging technique. If your doctor suspects an ankle fracture, he or she will order additional tests to provide more information about your injury. Deformity ("out of place"), particularly if the ankle joint is dislocated as wellĪfter discussing your medical history, symptoms, and how the injury occurred, your doctor will do a careful examination of your ankle, foot, and lower leg.Cannot put any weight on the injured foot.What are the symptoms of an ankle fracture?īecause a severe ankle sprain can feel the same as a fractured ankle, every ankle injury should be evaluated by a provider.Ĭommon symptoms for a fractured ankle include: Multiple ligaments help make the ankle joint stable. Syndesmosis joint - the joint between the tibia and fibula, which is held together by ligaments.Ankle joint - where the tibia, fibula, and talus meet.Two joints are involved in ankle fractures: For example, a fracture at the end of the fibula is called a lateral malleolus fracture, or if both the tibia and fibula are fractured, it is called a bimalleolar fracture. Providers classify ankle fractures according to the area of bone that is broken. Posterior malleolus - back part of the tibia.Medial malleolus - inside part of the tibia.The tibia and fibula have specific parts that make up the ankle: Talus - a small bone that sits between the heel bone (calcaneus) and the tibia and fibula.During the past 30 to 40 years, doctors have noted an increase in the number and severity of fractured ankles, due in part to an active, older population of baby boomers. The ligaments of the ankle hold the ankle bones and joint in position.įractured ankles affect people of all ages. Simply put, the more bones that are broken the more unstable the ankle becomes. We offer diagnosis and treatment in over 70 specialties and subspecialties, as well as programs, services, and support to help you stay well throughout your lifetime.Ī fractured ankle (broken ankle) means that one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint are broken.Īn ankle fracture can range from a simple break in one bone, which may not stop you from walking, to several fractures, which forces your ankle out of place and may require that you not put weight on it for a few months. Surgery is not usually required for a stable fracture.BMC physicians are leaders in their fields with the most advanced medical technology at their fingertips and working alongside a highly skilled nursing and professional staff. Taping and/or an ankle brace may be used when returning to activities that require a change of support, especially for those with unstable ankles. Rehabilitation exercises are similar to that of a sprained ankle. Graded exposure to impact activities and return to play protocols if you wish to return to sport. This involves strengthening and mobility exercises of the foot and ankle. Upon removal of the boot, rehabilitation can last for 4-6 weeks. Historically a cast was used, but the walker boot allows for greater function and equivalent healing response.ĭuring this period, Physical Therapy can begin to maintain the mobility of the surrounding tissues, such as the Calf, Peroneal, and Posterior Tibialis muscles. Lateral Malleolus Fracture Conservative TreatmentĪ stable Lateral Malleolus Fracture is usually managed with 4-6 weeks in a walker boot. A study of 123 patients with lateral and mortise x-ray views are 95% accurate in diagnosing ankle fractures as anteroposterior, lateral and mortise views. An x-ray is the primary imaging model, but if this returns, as usual, a referral for an MRI or Ct Scan may be required. This is usually followed by imaging to rule out other conditions and to confirm the diagnosis. A clinical examination will often involve a hop test and tap test. A clinical interview of your symptoms alongside a clinical examination can often be sufficient to achieve a diagnosis for your therapist. A consultation with a Physical Therapist, Podiatrist, or Sports Medicine Doctor is recommended if you have any of the symptoms of a Lateral Malleolus Fracture.
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