Ankle fractures are serious injuries to the lower extremities that impair their functionality, cause pain and discomfort, and require immediate treatment. This type of injury has a number of varieties.
How to distinguish an ankle fracture without displacement from an injury with displacement of bone fragments on your own, what treatment is necessary in each specific case, and how long can the rehabilitation period last for various types of ankle fractures? We will answer these questions below.
This type of injury can occur in an open or closed form. The latter is a mild form and occurs under the cover of soft tissue. An open ankle fracture is a bleeding wound with torn skin from which broken bones may protrude.
Both a lateral malleolus (external) and a medial malleolus (internal) fracture can occur with or without displacement.
It is even possible to fracture both ankles (bimalleolar fracture) or three (trimalleolar fracture).
The injury may result from receiving a blow to the joint area. You can also get this injury when you twist your foot. In addition, the greatest chance of getting a fracture is:
When you fracture your ankle, the following symptoms may occur:
Depending on the type of damage, all of these fracture symptoms may be more or less pronounced.
Regardless of the symptoms, which may clearly indicate the presence of a fracture, the doctor is obliged to conduct an X-ray examination in the direct projection, which is mandatory, as well as in the lateral and oblique projections.
At the same time, in different projections, the patient occupies different positions:
Treatment of a fractured ankle is successful only when the injured person has been provided with competent first aid. If any of the above signs of an ankle fracture are present, the first thing a person should do is call an ambulance and get medical attention. To do this, you first need to ensure that it is stationary. In this case, the injured leg should be placed at a small height from the floor or ground, for this purpose something like a bolster should be constructed from available clothing. Shoes must be removed from the foot immediately, as it will be difficult to do this if it swells further.
It is strictly forbidden to touch a joint that has been fractured with your hands, so as not to displace any fragments, if any. If this is a closed fracture of the ankle, if the injured leg is handled incorrectly, it can become open, because probably more severe displacement of bone fragments, which can tear the skin.
Think about ways to relieve swelling in your leg. Any cold is suitable for relieving puffiness - it can be frozen from the refrigerator, wrapped in a cloth. The cold will also help relieve pain from the damaged area.
If the ankle fracture is open, the bleeding must first be stopped. To do this, you can make a tourniquet from any things available nearby. Apply such a bandage above the open wound. Only then can cold compresses be applied near the wound to stop the bleeding faster. Also, such actions will help relieve swelling at least a little.
You should not try to return the protruding bones to the wound or connect them together, since such an intervention can provoke further ruptures of the soft tissues and the spread of fragments further along them. If a person's pain is unbearable, he can be given painkillers and wait for the doctors to arrive.
How to quickly cure an ankle fracture and not worsen the situation - to do this, you need to accurately determine the location of the fracture, its type, and identify the presence or absence of fragments. The doctor also questions the patient in detail about what caused the injury.
Fastening with screws and plates After an ankle fracture, swelling may occur. And if the injury is accompanied by the splitting of bones into fragments, a conservative type of treatment cannot be used. Since when swelling decreases, the broken parts of the bones can move significantly. Also, a cast applied in this case can lead to subluxation of the foot, which can no longer be corrected. In this case, surgical intervention is necessary. Specialists will connect all the broken fragments to their natural position using surgical steel fasteners, set the displaced bones in their place, and only then fix the injured lower leg using a plaster orthosis. It is applied for a period of up to 1.5 months.
If a leg fracture in the ankle occurs without displacement and has a closed form, only a special orthosis is used to treat it, limiting the motor function of the ankle. This type of injury heals the fastest – 8 weeks is enough. At the end of this time, the patient can gradually step on the leg, transferring full weight to it only over time.
If, but it is closed (the integrity of the skin is not compromised), the patient is restored to the natural position of the bones under anesthesia, and then casting is performed for a period of 8 to 12 weeks. During this time, complete healing of the bones should occur. Skeletal traction can be used to reduce the risks of further or repeated displacement of the fragments to zero. A knitting needle is threaded through the heel and a kettlebell counterweight with a load of 12 kg is suspended from it.
If soft tissue is torn, surgery is also required. After an ankle fracture, the foot swells - this is the reason that the intervention is carried out only 4-5 days after the patient was injured. Then the swelling and subcutaneous hemorrhages present should decrease. Surgeons tighten the torn blood vessels during surgery, attach screws and metal plates to the bones, and then sew up the torn muscles and skin before placing a cast on the leg, which secures the leg from the foot to the knee. With such an injury, the shin should heal within 8-10 weeks.
There are situations when unpleasant consequences are possible after a broken ankle. Sometimes a broken bone heals incorrectly and then surgeons have to perform additional intervention. During the reoperation, the fused bones are again crushed and connected to their natural position again.
How long the patient will have to walk in a cast and the period of complete recovery depends on the type of injury received and the physiological characteristics of the body. The faster the bones heal, the faster the attending physician will remove the plaster.
Many people are interested in the question “when can you step on your leg after an ankle fracture without displacement and with it?” It is impossible to give an unambiguous answer to this due to differing factors in the presence of damage, the patient’s age and other factors. But you can rely on averages and understand when you can start walking. The doctor gives permission after an x-ray is taken and a completely healed fracture is visible. If the bones heal quickly enough, it is possible that a specialist will be able to free the injured shin from the plaster within 6 weeks.
Both during the recovery period and after removing the plaster cast, the patient is recommended to attend the following procedures:
Is it possible to step on the leg after removing the cast, and how to attend these procedures?
You definitely need to go for the procedures, no matter how difficult it may be. When you can step on your injured leg completely, you will definitely feel it. Well, first, start to lean lightly on your leg when walking, without putting a heavy load on it. The sooner after removing the immobilizing bandage you begin to work out the affected joint and the leg muscles that are in long-term isolation, the sooner you will restore full motor activity. But don’t rush too much - do everything according to your feelings. At first, any movements may cause pain, but you need to hold on until the end and, overcoming it, restore the motor functions of the leg.
According to traumatologists, an ankle fracture is one of the most common bone injuries. Typically, injuries occur in winter in areas where the fight against ice and snow is not given due attention. Also at risk are athletes, children and women who prefer high-heeled shoes. Almost all cases of fractures can be explained by the anatomical feature of the ankle, which bears the greatest weight load.
A non-displaced ankle fracture is an injury that is very easy to get. But not everyone can fully recover after it. 10% of such cases result in disability, especially in elderly patients. This is explained by the fact that during treatment it is not only the bone that is subject to restoration, but also blood circulation, joint function, and also the innervation of the damaged area.
The lower leg consists of two bones: the inner one, which has a significant thickness, and the outer one, which is thinner. Each of them gradually turns into a process: below, in the area of the inner bone, there is an inner ankle, and in the lower part of the outer bone there is an outer ankle. The heel bone and ankle form the ankle joint, which allows a person to walk.
In an open ankle fracture, the bone fragments may or may not move. In this case, damage to soft tissues necessarily occurs. If a closed ankle fracture occurs, only fragments are displaced in the damaged bone. The most common types of ankle fractures include:
A traumatologist can establish an accurate diagnosis by conducting a thorough examination of the victim and feeling the affected area. After all, it is possible that the injury received may turn out to be a severe bruise or dislocation. If the patient feels pain, and the leg is very swollen and a change in the shape of the joint is observed, then, most likely, in this case there is a fracture. To finally determine this, the patient is sent for an x-ray. In the photograph taken, you can clearly see any flaw on the bone.
Depending on the type of injury received, the victim may experience different symptoms. In the open form, when there is a violation of the integrity of soft tissues and skin, bone fragments protrude from the wound. Here the displacement is obvious, since it was the damaged bone that broke through the skin and flesh. A closed leg fracture is much more difficult to determine, since the soft tissues are damaged internally, and only the presence of minor hematomas may indicate severe injury to the limb. A fracture of the lateral malleolus in the absence of displacement is considered harmless in terms of possible complications.
The symptoms that appear depend not only on the type of injury, but also on the location of the bone tissue rupture. When the external ankle is fractured without displacement, the main symptom is severe pain. The person cannot lean on his leg. In addition, there is a slight swelling on the outer part of the lower leg. The ankle joint bends and extends, but such movements are very painful. The pain is especially acute if you try to move your feet in different directions.
With a displaced internal fracture of the ankle, the victim feels sharp pain. Swelling appears from the inside of the lower leg, smoothing out the contours of the ankle. Sometimes the victim is still able to stand on his foot and even take steps, leaning more on the outer side of the foot or heel. Joint movements are limited, pain increases with the slightest attempt to move the limb. The type of x-ray is shown in the photo.
With a displaced medial rupture, the symptoms are very similar to a non-displaced fracture. However, since the soft tissues and blood vessels are damaged, a large number of hemorrhages are observed. This is explained by the presence of arteries in this area. Doctors know of many cases where the symptoms of a fracture were mild and the pain was tolerable. Therefore, the final diagnosis can only be made after studying the x-ray.
The first thing to do is to remove the effect of the traumatic factor. For example, in the event of an accident, release the ankle from compression. After this, you need to try to calm the injured person, and if possible, give him a painkiller. Then you should call an ambulance. It is very important not to make sudden movements and prohibit the victim from standing on the affected limb - this can provoke displacement, which will lead to damage to blood vessels and nerve endings.
It is advisable to fix the sore limb with some available means, and if possible, then with a special transport splint. A suitable means at hand is a wooden board, a piece of reinforcement, etc., which must be tied to the leg with a bandage or regular cloth. In the case of an open fracture, it is advisable to apply a sterile dressing to prevent any infection from entering the wound.
If there is arterial bleeding, which can occur in the event of a fracture of the inner malleolus, the tourniquet should be applied above the wound itself, preferably on the thigh. It is worth noting that with arterial bleeding, scarlet blood is observed, which pulsates and quickly flows out of the wound. But with venous bleeding, dark blood flows out slowly and without pulsation. In this case, a pressure bandage is required.
In the case of a closed fracture, it is advisable to apply cold to the sore spot - with its help you can reduce swelling and reduce pain. If possible, care should be taken to ensure that the injured limb is in an elevated position. A roller made with your own hands from scrap materials is suitable for this. It is strictly forbidden to “set” the bone yourself. If necessary, this will be done by a traumatologist who has studied the X-ray results.
Treatment for a displaced and non-displaced ankle fracture is significantly different. If after examination and x-rays no displacement is detected, a conservative method is used. It involves applying a bandage to a broken bone and then securing it with a bandage. When performing this procedure, there is no need to over-tighten the bandage so as not to disrupt normal blood flow.
The bandage is applied from top to bottom to the very fingers, and then the bandaging continues in the opposite direction. The victim must wear a cast for at least one and a half months, although the final decision is made by the attending physician, who, when determining the period, is guided by the patient’s age. Immediately after removing the plaster cast, an x-ray must be taken, based on which a rehabilitation course is prescribed.
If the bone is displaced after a fracture, then the conservative method is used only when it is possible to restore the natural position of the bones as accurately as possible. As a rule, the bones are set into place under local anesthesia, and then a plaster cast is applied. In some cases, if the displacement occurs again, the ankle is fixed in an immobilizer.
For an open fracture, surgical treatment is performed. In such cases, it is very important to deliver the victim to the clinic in a timely manner. During the operation, damaged bones are set, and torn vessels and soft tissues are sutured. Subsequent treatment for this type of fracture is the same as for closed fractures. Typically, for all forms of fractures, traumatologists prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs that stimulate the fusion of bone tissue.
Victims of such injuries are most often concerned with the question: how to quickly heal an ankle fracture and how long it will take to recover. It is worth immediately noting that healing takes different times for each person - it depends on the type of injury and the age of the victim. After the cast is removed, the person cannot fully step on the affected leg for some time.
After a fracture of the right or left ankle, it is very important to undergo rehabilitation. Some measures can be carried out even before the cast is removed, others are permissible only when the bandage has already been removed.
Rehabilitation consists of:
For complete recovery, it is important to tune in psychologically. After all, many are initially afraid to step on an injured leg. However, ankle development is an important and integral part of recovery. Otherwise, you will not be able to recover completely.
A displaced ankle fracture is considered a fairly common and severe injury. When an ankle fracture occurs, forums on various Internet sites show how difficult treatment can sometimes be until full mobility is restored.
The ankle is a very traumatic area of the lower limb, and it must be protected during various physical activities and extreme movements. If an injury does occur, it is necessary to take first aid measures and provide effective treatment. Exercise therapy after an ankle fracture, videos of which can be easily found on the Internet, will help ensure rehabilitation and restoration of tissues and joints.
The ankle is a bony element in the form of the lower protruding portion of the lower leg and is part of the structure of the ankle joint. In turn, the ankle joint is the only element that provides a movable connection between the foot and the lower leg using a hinge method. The joint system is divided into the inner (medial) and outer (lateral) ankle.
If you consider the location of the ankle, it becomes clear what loads fall on these bones. They are constantly exposed to the load associated with body weight. With proper load distribution and normal amplitudes of joint motion, normal functioning of the joint is ensured under different conditions. However, in some cases, excessive loads occur (for example, a fall or an unsuccessful landing during a jump), the effect of which is aggravated by extreme directions and amplitudes of foot movement. Such circumstances can cause bone tissue destruction.
In general, an ankle fracture is a fracture of the medial or lateral bone due to excessive stress. This type of injury is the most common and exceeds 1/5 of all cases of fractures. The maximum frequency of damage is observed in winter when there is ice. The complexity of treatment and rehabilitation lies in the need not only to restore bone tissue, but also to normalize the functioning of the entire joint, stabilize the blood supply and innervation of the affected area.
The classification of ankle fractures is made taking into account the nature, extent and location of the lesion. There are 2 main types of injury - open and closed fracture. The closed version is characterized by destruction of bone (possibly also joint elements), but without damage to soft tissue. The open type involves a violation of the integrity of soft tissues and skin with the occurrence of direct contact of the site of bone damage with the external environment. In this case, it becomes possible to directly observe the affected area.
According to the nature of bone destruction, a fracture is distinguished with a displacement of the broken parts relative to each other (and the axis of the bone) and without displacement. Taking into account the location of the damage, a fracture of the medial or lateral malleolus, as well as destruction of both bones, can be distinguished.
The mechanism of bone destruction depends on the direction of the applied excessive load and its distribution. The following types of fractures are noted, taking into account mechanical impact:
Any fracture is a mechanical injury resulting from excessive stress on bone tissue. In fact, ankle fractures can be caused by direct force such as a blow from a heavy object or by indirect trauma caused by abnormal movement of the foot relative to the shin (or vice versa). The most common indirect injuries occur in athletes when falling from a height, slipping on ice, twisting the foot while wearing high-heeled shoes, unsuccessfully moving up stairs, skating, etc.
Healthy bones have a large margin of strength and are quite difficult to break. However, there are factors that reduce the strength of bones, and they collapse under significantly lower loads. The following provoking causes of weakening of bone tissue structure can be identified:
When an open fracture occurs, the damage is observed visually, which does not simplify the diagnosis of such an injury. Another thing is a closed fracture, when indirect signs indicate destruction of the ankle. The following characteristic symptoms of a closed ankle fracture are distinguished:
In addition to the listed symptoms, you can often observe an unnatural turn of the foot caused by its dislocation simultaneously with a fracture.
An x-ray of the ankle joint can be used to diagnose an ankle fracture. It is done in 3 projections: direct, oblique and lateral photography. Based on the X-ray results, the following injury parameters are established:
In the case of a displaced ankle fracture, how many elements of the joint are still damaged is determined through additional diagnostic tests. For this purpose, computed tomography, MRI, and ultrasound of the ankle are prescribed to assess the condition of tissues and muscles.
If a displaced ankle fracture occurs, it is important to take immediate first aid measures in a timely manner. The first action is to call an ambulance, but before the team arrives, the following necessary measures should be taken:
Conservative treatment for an ankle fracture involves moving the bones and joint back into place and immobilizing the affected area using a plaster splint. The reduction procedure is performed manually using supporting devices, usually under local anesthesia. The cast is applied when the foot is held in the correct position relative to the shin.
A plaster splint is applied to the back of the lower leg and the entire lateral surface of the foot. Everything is secured on top with a bandage. The correctness of bone reduction and immobilization is verified by repeated radiographs. When treating an ankle fracture, how long should the cast be kept in place? This question arises for a traumatized person. On average, the following terms are established: child under 14-16 years old – 30 days; person under the age of 45-50 years – at least 40 days; elderly person – at least 60 days. The final period can only be determined by a doctor, taking into account the degree of damage and the speed of tissue recovery.
Surgical treatment is performed for complex fractures when conservative methods do not provide the desired effect. Typically, severely displaced fractures of both ankles require surgery. When such a displaced ankle fracture occurs, plate surgery becomes one of the common methods to restore the integrity of the joint. In addition, fasteners are used in the form of bolts, special nails, and screws.
A fracture can only be caused by trauma, which is a mechanical impact on the ankle. However, there are many predisposing factors during which the risk of injury to the leg increases significantly.
Types of injury:
Almost always leads to a broken limb. This happens during an accident or when a heavy object falls on the foot.
When the risk of ankle fracture increases:Represents a dislocation of the foot in various situations. It can be caused by a lack of stability on the surface (for example, on roller skates, ice skates), as well as when engaging in traumatic sports or carelessly walking along steep steps.
If there are one or more predisposing factors, the likelihood of suffering a closed ankle fracture increases significantly.
There are several causes of ankle injury:
Traumatologists call indirect reasons for an ankle fracture:
Most often, the presence of such injuries is observed in elderly people. This is due to physiological age-related changes, as a result of which the bones of the limbs become fragile - calcium is already poorly absorbed.
Therefore, treatment of fractures in older people is often accompanied by difficulties, and the rehabilitation period, when it is possible to step on the leg, is delayed.
.
As you age, your risk of getting a fracture of this joint increases. For older people, all it takes to damage bones is to stand up incorrectly or fall and land on your shin. Young people most often get this injury after jumping from a high height.
There is a possibility of getting such an injury in a car accident when the ankle bends too much or, on the contrary, extends. The result of this is a fracture of the outer ankle.
Twisting of the joint is another cause of such injury. This can happen when your foot gets stuck in a narrow space while running. In this case, the human body falls in the opposite direction.
Depending on the extent of the damage and its type, a fracture of the outer ankle without displacement or its internal part is classified into several different options. The mechanism of injury also influences our classification of injury.
A closed ankle fracture occurs:
The type of ankle fracture is directly related to the mechanism of its occurrence. Often, it is enough for a qualified traumatologist to hear how the injury was sustained and examine the patient in order to make a diagnosis, which is then only confirmed through examinations.
In traumatology, ankle fractures are considered in the following types:
It is customary to consider the ankle as a single joint, but in fact, it is composed of two joints: the ankle and the talocalcaneal. The cause of damage can be a sharp or rapid movement of the ankle to the inside or outside.
Very often a fracture accompanies a sprain. Non-displaced ankle fractures are divided into the following types:.
Fractures without displacement are usually closed. Depending on the orientation of the damage, each type is divided into subgroups with a transverse or oblique direction of the fracture line. In a transverse fracture, the lateral surface of the talus presses on the top of the lateral malleolus, and as a result breaks it off.
The direction of the fracture is horizontal. As a rule, the cause of such damage can be a strong outward turning of the foot.
With an oblique fracture of the external malleolus, the rupture line is oriented from bottom to top from the front to the back. Such damage can result from tucking the foot in combination with its abduction (abduction) or when the foot is excessively turned outward.
In a transverse fracture, tension in the deltoid ligament of the foot causes the medial malleolus to be torn off at the base or apex. The cause of this type of injury is a strong inversion of the foot to the outside.
An oblique fracture of the medial malleolus occurs when the foot rolls inward due to pressure on the medial malleolus of the calcaneus. As a result, the inner ankle breaks off. The direction of the fracture is oblique or vertical.
Less common in traumatology practice is a fracture of the internal and external ankles (bimalleolar). This fracture occurs when the foot is abducted excessively. Bimalleolar fractures can be of two types:
Depending on the type of injury received, the victim may experience different symptoms. In the open form, when there is a violation of the integrity of soft tissues and skin, bone fragments protrude from the wound.
Here the displacement is obvious, since it was the damaged bone that broke through the skin and flesh. A closed leg fracture is much more difficult to determine, since the soft tissues are damaged internally, and only the presence of minor hematomas may indicate severe injury to the limb.
A fracture of the lateral malleolus in the absence of displacement is considered harmless in terms of possible complications.
The symptoms that appear depend not only on the type of injury, but also on the location of the bone tissue rupture. When the external ankle is fractured without displacement, the main symptom is severe pain.
The person cannot lean on his leg. In addition, there is a slight swelling on the outer part of the lower leg.
The ankle joint bends and extends, but such movements are very painful. The pain is especially acute if you try to move your feet in different directions.
With a displaced internal fracture of the ankle, the victim feels sharp pain. Swelling appears from the inside of the lower leg, smoothing out the contours of the ankle.
Sometimes the victim is still able to stand on his foot and even take steps, leaning more on the outer side of the foot or heel. Joint movements are limited, pain increases with the slightest attempt to move the limb.
With a displaced medial rupture, the symptoms are very similar to a non-displaced fracture. However, since the soft tissues and blood vessels are damaged, a large number of hemorrhages are observed.
This is explained by the presence of arteries in this area. Doctors know of many cases where the symptoms of a fracture were mild and the pain was tolerable.
Therefore, the final diagnosis can only be made after studying the x-ray.
Increased symptoms after an ankle fracture are a good reason to seek help from a doctor as early as possible. This will allow timely treatment to begin, which will prevent improper bone fusion, as well as a number of other problems.
Serious foot injury can be determined by several main symptoms.
Signs to look out for:
In most cases, a set of such symptoms indicates a leg fracture and requires seeking qualified treatment. However, the victim can be given first aid before the medical team arrives.
Considering the severity of the leg injury, the patient may have symptoms of different types and nature:
In addition to the shape of the fracture, the presence of symptoms can be influenced by both the nature and location of the leg injury:
Such ankle injuries are characterized by several significant symptoms:
Of course, dysfunction of the ankle joint should also be noted. This pathology will be present because ankle fractures are often accompanied by other injuries:
Because of this, the victim cannot move his foot normally, which allows us to establish a fracture of the outer malleolus without displacement.
Diagnostic measures include a survey, examination of the victim, as well as various examinations. It is almost impossible to visually assess how badly the ankle is damaged, whether the external or internal part has been fractured.
For these purposes, X-rays are used, which are carried out in three projections (direct, oblique and lateral).
If there is a fracture, you can see on the x-ray:
As a rule, these measures are sufficient to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment when a person breaks his leg. At this stage, the doctor can assess the condition of the victim, and also answer the question of how long to walk in a cast and whether it will be necessary at all.
The diagnosis of an ankle fracture is made from a combination of interview, examination and diagnostic data.
To determine the presence of a fracture and its nature, it is necessary to conduct diagnostic studies, the first of which is fluoroscopy. X-rays are taken in two projections: lateral and anteroposterior.
Additional methods for examining the joint are sonography (ultrasound), arthrography and arthroscopy.
Treatment for a displaced and non-displaced ankle fracture is significantly different. If after examination and x-rays no displacement is detected, a conservative method is used.
It involves applying a bandage to a broken bone and then securing it with a bandage. When performing this procedure, there is no need to over-tighten the bandage so as not to disrupt normal blood flow.
The bandage is applied from top to bottom to the very fingers, and then the bandaging continues in the opposite direction. The victim must wear a cast for at least one and a half months, although the final decision is made by the attending physician, who, when determining the period, is guided by the patient’s age.
Immediately after removing the plaster cast, an x-ray must be taken, based on which a rehabilitation course is prescribed.
For a non-displaced fracture, treatment is usually not very long. However, therapy is still necessary. This will prevent improper fusion of bone and muscle tissue, which can affect a person’s future life. Treatment must be comprehensive.
The traumatologist prescribes painkillers and vitamin complexes that contain calcium. The patient also needs to establish adequate nutrition. Almost always, after an ankle fracture, a specialist applies a plaster cast. Surgery is rarely prescribed.
In what cases is conservative treatment prescribed:Conservative treatment involves taking various medications to speed up healing. A plaster cast is also applied for an ankle fracture, which helps the broken bones heal properly.
The bone heals only when plaster is applied correctly. It is applied to the entire surface of the lower leg and foot, fixing the joints in a physiological position.
After the procedure, the patient should not experience strong pressure on the leg, a feeling of heaviness, friction or numbness of the lower limb. In this case, the application of plaster can be considered successful.
Then the specialist conducts a second examination using an X-ray machine, which helps to assess the position of the bones in the cast. At this stage, you can see the displacement of the bones that may have occurred when applying the bandage. On average, plaster is applied for 1-2 months or according to indications.
Sometimes it is indicated to treat a limb after an ankle fracture with surgery. Surgery is prescribed in severe cases, when alternative therapy has not brought positive results or the specialist sees that it does not make sense.
When is the operation performed:
The main goal of surgical intervention is to restore the anatomical location of the bones and all its fragments, suturing damaged ligaments and fascia. After all the necessary manipulations have been carried out, the patient is also given a cast, with which he walks for at least 2 months.
Doctors develop a treatment plan based on the characteristics of the injury a person has received. An ankle fracture must be treated in any case, because it plays a big role in motor function, which is very important for normal life.
Every victim wants to walk fully, so he completely relies on the doctor.
When an ankle is injured, traumatologists can use two treatment methods:
The first method is suitable for patients with relatively mild forms of fractures, especially those without displacement, because its consequences can be tragic:
A mild, non-displaced fracture does not always require a cast; in most cases, an elastic orthosis may be suitable. An orthosis on the ankle joint allows you to fix the leg and redistribute the load; it also does not provoke strong compression on the injured ankle and prevents relapses.
An ankle orthosis is a modern orthopedic device that firmly fixes the ankle in case of various types of injuries. In appearance, the orthosis resembles a sock or boot, but the toes remain open when worn.
Modern orthoses are made of fabric, metal and plastic, and are secured with lacing, Velcro or fasteners.
Doctors have developed several types of orthoses that have different degrees of rigidity and have different purposes: preventive, rehabilitative and functional.
The first type of orthosis is used to prevent injuries; the rehabilitation type is worn when a leg is injured for a faster recovery. A functional orthosis can be prescribed for patients with changes in the joint, who must walk with it almost always.
According to the degree of rigidity, orthoses are divided into:
Video demonstrating a rigid ankle orthosis.
Treatment for mild fractures is very similar to that developed for foot sprains, and complete recovery occurs after 1-1.5 months of wearing an immobilizer.
Without displacement of bone fragments, but using a plaster that is adjusted up to the knee (for both internal and external ankle fractures), the treatment period can last up to 1.5 months.
A closed fracture with displacement involves treatment in the form of repositioning of fragments under anesthesia, with further installation of a plaster. Both before and after placing the plaster, an x-ray of the damaged bone is taken. Immobilization lasts from 2 to 2.5 months.
The main method of treating such fractures is the use of conservative techniques.
Traumatologists do not recommend starting self-treatment at home. This is due to the fact that in the course of an incorrectly chosen method of treatment, further recovery of the injured ankle may be delayed and complicate rehabilitation.
Modern methods of treating non-displaced fractures of the lateral malleolus are not varied. There are only two of them:
The first method is used when the fracture is closed without displacement or ligament rupture. To do this, use a plaster splint, which is distributed over the foot (namely its suspended part), followed by fixation with bandages.
The main condition: such fixation should not put excessive pressure on the lower leg to prevent circulatory problems.
A casted limb causes a lot of inconvenience, but the period of wearing a cast can last from six weeks to three months. The timing directly depends on significant factors:
Only the attending physician can tell the patient when it is possible to step on the leg after such treatment. The standard healing period is two and a half months, but the rehabilitation period sometimes lasts up to a year.
To speed up the healing process, the victim is additionally prescribed maintenance therapy, which includes multivitamin preparations.
The surgical method is used in the following cases:
After surgery, a plaster cast is applied, and further treatment is carried out according to the standard regimen. Experts warn: stepping on your foot while wearing a cast is strictly prohibited!
Rehabilitation measures begin after removal of the plaster and control radiography. If everything is fine with the ankle, then the attending physician prescribes a comprehensive treatment, which includes:
Experts say that if you strictly follow all the recommendations of your doctor, then after a couple of months the motor functions of your leg will be restored.
When treating an ankle fracture, the doctor adheres to the main idea - restoring the full functionality of the injured limb. There are 2 main methods of treatment:
The type of treatment is selected by a specialist based on the type of injury received. But it is very important that it cannot be postponed. It is necessary to consult a doctor immediately to avoid multiple complications.
If the fracture is displaced or triple, then the conservative method is used only in extreme cases, since it has disadvantages:
To reduce pain, you can take a tablet of any analgesic that you have on hand or inject it intramuscularly, which is more effective. For example, Nurofen, Ketanov, Analgin, Diclofenac and others. You should make sure that the victim has no contraindications to taking these medications.
If the injury occurred due to a traffic accident, you should not remove the victim from the car yourself. Such actions are justified only if the person continues to be in danger (for example, a fire has occurred).
Immediate care should be provided to a patient with such an injury. If it is untimely, then the consequence of a fracture of the ankle without displacement or with displacement may be a transition from a closed injury to an open one. To prevent this from happening, you must:
You should not violate the rules of recovery after a fracture or not consult a doctor at all. This is fraught with the development of serious complications that will subsequently require surgical intervention. And the absence of surgery, in turn, leads to a number of even more serious problems.
If the joint does not heal properly, the victim will experience lameness, constant pain in the legs and the inability to move normally without discomfort in the ankle.
The prognosis for recovery depends on the severity of the fracture. Of course, if it is double-ankle and consists of many fragments, the victim should hope for a miracle. Mild dislocations and subluxations, if promptly contacted by a traumatologist, can be treated without any problems.
At different stages of a fracture, complications may develop; an attentive attitude to the patient (or to oneself) will prevent the worsening of the condition or stop it in the early stages:
Complications with proper treatment are rare; much depends on the patient himself: on the accurate implementation of the instructions received from doctors, the correctly structured rehabilitation process and motor regimen.
So, at each stage, a set of rehabilitation measures, provided they are correctly formed, can lead to a faster and more effective recovery of a patient with an ankle fracture.
Half of ankle fractures could be prevented if people practiced injury prevention. Of course, this does not apply to serious accidents, which always happen unexpectedly, but the factors predisposing to a fracture can be eliminated by everyone.
The ankle is a part of the ankle joint, representing the protrusions of the lower leg bones on either side above the foot. The ankle area is colloquially called the ankle.
The human ankle has the shape of two bony processes. The lateral (outer) ankle is a formation at the lower end of the fibula, and the medial (inner) is in a similar part of the tibia. The fibula and tibia form the tibia, the part of the leg from the foot to the knee. The ankle is a formative element of the ankle joint - a movable joint between the lower leg and foot.
The lower ends of the bones of the lower leg, including the ankles, form the upper part of the ankle joint and, like the fork, which is clearly visible in the photos demonstrating the structure of this joint, cover its lower part - the articular surface of the talus of the foot. A durable bone fork allows you to:
Thus, the medial ankle is responsible for turning inward without lifting the foot off the floor, and the lateral ankle is responsible for turning outward. The “fork” formed by the outer and inner ankles ensures high mobility of the foot during flexion and extension, which provides a person with free movement. At the same time, this structure significantly limits the lateral abduction of the foot - this protects the bones and ligaments from excessive stress.
The articular surface of the outer and inner ankles is covered with cartilage, which ensures the free sliding of the bones of the joint relative to each other, protecting them from injuries associated with friction.
The ankle is surrounded by ligaments - dense and at the same time elastic formations, consisting of bundles of connective tissue that hold the bones of the skeleton in their normal position. Without ligaments, the supporting function of the skeleton would be impaired - the bones would simply “move apart” at the places of their articulations.
Attached to the medial malleolus is the medial ankle ligament, which connects the tibia of the leg to the talus of the foot.
On the lateral malleolus are:
Most often, the cause of decreased mobility in the ankle area is damage to the ligamentous apparatus. The most common injury to the ankle is traumatic injury.
Traumatic ankle injuries rank first among all lower extremity injuries. This is due to the high loads placed on the joint of the foot and lower leg.
When force is applied to the ankle area, most often it is not the ankle itself (bone tissue) that suffers, but its ligamentous apparatus - partial or complete rupture of the ligaments occurs. Under the influence of higher loads, the bone tissue cannot withstand it - an ankle fracture occurs.
Most often, traumatic injury is associated with a strong and sharp roll of the foot inward or outward, or rotation of the shin around its axis when walking or running. Pronation (turning the foot inward) injury is recorded more often than supination (turning it outward) and rotational (turning around its axis), and accounts for three-quarters of ankle injuries.
Twists of the foot and sharp turns of the leg relative to the foot are accompanied by damage to the ligaments, which can lead to dislocation or, if they are significantly strained, a fracture.
Other causes of injuries to this bone include landing on the feet (especially the heel area) from a great height, or a strong blow to the ankle.
The following are particularly susceptible to ankle injuries:
Acquired ankle ligament weakness most often occurs as a result of a sedentary lifestyle and sedentary work.
Ankle injuries are often caused by wearing high-heeled or high-platform shoes, especially when walking on uneven or slippery surfaces.
As a result of excessive stretching, either a complete rupture of the ligament or a partial rupture can occur; the latter is often (and not very correctly) called a sprain. Even with micro-tears of the connective tissue in the ligaments, hemorrhages can occur, intercellular fluid can accumulate, resulting in pain that intensifies with exercise - standing, walking.
Sometimes unusually long walking in people leading a sedentary lifestyle leads to a sprain; in this case, pain occurs without visible injury (twisting the foot, impact), although in fact there is damage to the connective tissue.
Signs of more significant ligament damage include:
For minor ligament injuries, treatment consists of providing maximum rest to the affected leg and applying cold compresses during the first 24 hours after the injury. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to take painkillers, wear orthoses of various fixations, or undergo surgery.
If you suspect ankle ligament damage, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Even if mobility in the ankle is not lost, pain (especially if it does not subside within two days) and swelling may indicate a bone fracture.
Ankle fractures are:
In displaced fractures, soft tissues are damaged until the muscles and skin are completely torn—this is called an open fracture.
Based on the volume of the lesion, they are distinguished:
In addition, ankle fractures can be accompanied by ligament rupture and ankle dislocation, which aggravates the condition and lengthens the period of treatment and rehabilitation.
At the time of the fracture, severe pain occurs in the ankle, and a crunching sound may be heard.
Fractures of one ankle without displacement and without significant damage to the ligaments are accompanied by:
With more extensive damage or displacement of bone fragments, the following symptoms are observed:
With a fracture of one ankle, the swelling is more pronounced on the side of the injury, and with a two- and three-malleolar fracture, the ankle swells completely, and the swelling often spreads to the lower leg. In addition, with extensive fractures, movement in the ankle is impossible.
Treatment consists of taking painkillers and wearing a rigid orthosis or plaster cast. For displaced fractures, surgery is performed.
An ankle fracture requires immediate qualified treatment. Untimely or inadequate treatment of such a fracture can lead to permanent loss of leg function and the development of damage to the ankle joint - arthrosis. Similar complications can develop as a result of irrational treatment of ligamentous injuries, so any ankle injury is a reason to urgently consult a doctor.
In the context of the implementation of the Federal State Educational Standard, it is of great importance. Over the course of decades, educational institutions have developed a system of work...
The manual discusses programs of domestic and foreign authors that are used in the work of modern...
How often do we see this monster with goat horns when we lay out Tarot cards. "Devil" is the personification of hell and death...
Navigation: Description and history of the map: To the side of the road there is a large oak tree, in its foliage birds find shelter and food...
Dear forum visitors, I am opening this topic for fans of Patrick Walesa's "Deviant Moon Tarot" deck. Tarot...
Tuscan order. Tuscan order, one of the five Roman architectural orders. The name is associated with Etruscan architecture...
LIBRETTO. If you love music (which you undoubtedly do, since you needed this book), then you'll probably...
Religion: paganism Birth: 942 (0942) Death: March on the Dnieper Family: Rurikovich Father:...
Masaccio (actually Tommaso di Giovanni di Simone Cassai (Guidi), Tommaso di ser Giovanni di Guidi; December 21...
(Published in Tel Aviv in 1958. Transmitted with minor abbreviations). Jews! Love each other,...
Take a ladle or saucepan and pour milk and cream into it. Add vanilla sugar (sugar with vanilla seeds). IN...
Hello everyone! Today we have a very tasty and simple recipe in front of us - sausages in dough in the oven. Do you feel...
Avocado is one of the healthiest fruits. This is a real storehouse of vitamins and nutrients. And him...
Roast pork is an ideal tasty and satisfying dish that can feed the whole family. Mistresses...
The manual discusses programs of domestic and foreign authors that are used in the work...
How often do we see this monster with goat horns when we lay out Tarot cards. "Devil" is the personification of hell...