What is it about ?
Ankle fractures are all fractures of the bones of the lower leg. A fracture located higher up, in the outer bone of the leg, the fibula, also called fibula, is also part of what are called ankle fractures.
The fracture can be stable or unstable. If the fracture is unstable, the ankle is dislocated, i.e. the bones forming the ankle joint, the tibia above and the talus or talus below, are no longer positioned correctly in relation to each other. to the other.
What is its frequency?
In most cases (70-80%), the fracture is in the outer part of the ankle. In 15-20%, it is a fracture of the fibula (fibula), above the ankle joint.
How to recognize them?
After an accident, such as slipping or twisting the ankle, the foot swells. We often see a “bruise” (hematoma) and walking becomes painful or even impossible.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor will ask you to explain exactly what happened. Then he will examine you and see if you can still walk. The doctor will examine your leg and press in certain places to find out if this is causing pain. He will move your foot to check if your ankle is stable.
Following the clinical examination, he will decide whether an x-ray is necessary.
What can you do ?
Avoid walking with an injured ankle as much as possible. This is because a fracture can move and complicate treatment. Applying ice will decrease swelling and relieve pain.
What can your doctor do?
Treatment depends on the location and stability of the fracture.
Fractures on the outside of the ankle can usually be treated with a cast. The cast cannot be removed for 2-4 weeks. You can walk with the cast if it doesn’t hurt too much and if it is intended for.
Fractures on the inner side of the ankle are sometimes treated with a cast, but the advice of a specialist is necessary.
Unstable ankle fractures will have to be operated on. High fibular fractures are also considered unstable and will therefore be treated surgically. After the operation, you cannot use your ankle: we therefore put in a cast that will be removed after 4 to 6 weeks.
If the ankle joint is dislocated, the doctor should reposition it as soon as possible.
Want to know more?
Source