Ankle fracture

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Ankle Fracture

An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. The ankle joint is composed of three bones: the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. Ankle fractures can range from a simple break in one bone, which may not prevent you from walking, to several fractures, which may force your ankle out of place and require you not to put weight on it for a few months.

Ankle fractures -- Smart-Servier

Types of Ankle Fractures[edit | edit source]

There are several types of ankle fractures, and they are usually classified by the area of the bone that is damaged. These include:

  • Lateral malleolus fracture: A fracture to the fibula bone in the lower leg.
  • Medial malleolus fracture: A fracture to the tibia at the inside of the lower leg.
  • Posterior malleolus fracture: A fracture to the tibia at the back of the lower leg.
  • Bimalleolar fractures: Fractures that occur in both the tibia and fibula.
  • Trimalleolar fractures: Fractures that occur in all three malleoli of the ankle.

Causes[edit | edit source]

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Ankle fractures can occur from excessive rolling or twisting of the ankle, falls, or impact from accidents. High-impact sports such as soccer, football, and skiing are common causes of ankle fractures.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of an ankle fracture can include pain, swelling, bruising, inability to walk or bear weight on the ankle, and deformity if the ankle is dislocated as well.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of an ankle fracture usually involves a physical examination, an x-ray, and sometimes a CT scan or MRI to provide more detailed images of the injury.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for an ankle fracture depends on the severity of the fracture. Non-surgical treatments include casting or splinting to immobilize the ankle and allow the fracture to heal. Surgical treatments may be necessary for more severe fractures and can involve the use of plates and screws to hold the bones in place while they heal.

Recovery[edit | edit source]

Recovery from an ankle fracture can take several weeks to several months and often involves physical therapy to restore strength and mobility to the ankle.

See Also[edit | edit source]


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