Medication
Basic fractures can often be successfully treated with a simple walking boot, while more complex injuries may require surgery. An orthopaedic surgeon will provide counseling about treatment options for ankle fractures in your child, as well as longer-term follow-up care to monitor the outcome of the treatment.
Procedures
Nonsurgical treatment may be an option when the break is minor, the bones are in alignment, and the ankle is stable. However, if the bone has moved out of place and can be put back in to position – a procedure called closed reduction nonsurgical treatment may be sufficient. The goal is to protect the fractured bone while it heals.
Therapy
If your ankle fracture involves only one malleolus, and the segments of broken bone lie very close together, your doctor usually can treat the injury by immobilizing your ankle and foot in a cast for six to eight weeks.
Self-care
While the goal is to give everyone a chance at full recovery after an injury, it may not be worth the risk of surgery in some patients. Of particular concern with ankle fractures are people who may be at high risk for infection and healing complications.
Nutrition
What are the treatment options for ankle fractures in children?
What is the best treatment for a broken ankle?
What is the treatment for an ankle malleolus fracture?
Is surgery necessary after an ankle fracture?
What is the best treatment for a fractured ankle?
Foot and Ankle Fracture Treatment OptionsRest: Rest is key. ... Ice: Ice the area for 20 minutes at a time to help with swelling and inflammation. ... Compression: Wrapping the injury helps control swelling.Elevation: Keep your foot and ankle raised slightly above the level of your heart to help reduce inflammation.
How long does a childs fractured ankle take to heal?
Ankle fractures in children generally heal in 4 to 6 weeks. The stabilizing effect of a splint, cast, or surgery will lessen the pain. The pain improves as the healing process advances, and most pain is gone within 2 weeks after the injury. Your child's doctor may prescribe pain medication to help with the pain.
What are 2 treatments for ankle/foot fracture?
Nonsurgical Treatment If the fracture is not out of place or is a very low fracture with very small pieces, it can be treated without surgery. A stress x-ray may be done to see if the fracture and ankle are stable. The fracture may be treated with a short leg cast or a removable brace.
Do fractured ankles need surgery?
Less severe ankle fractures can be treated with walking boots, splints, or cast immobilization. For more severe fractures, such as those where the bones, surgery may be required to restore proper alignment and reduce the risk of ankle instability or post-traumatic ankle arthritis down the road.
How fast do fractures heal in kids?
Although a child's bones are softer than adult bones, a child's broken bone will heal faster than an adult bone. The time it takes for a break to heal will vary depending on which bone is broken but the average recovery takes from three weeks to two months.
How do I know if my son's ankle is broken?
What are the symptoms of a broken ankle?pain or swelling in the ankle.obvious deformity.difficulty using or moving the ankle.warmth, bruising, or redness.
Can you walk with a fractured ankle?
Broken ankle — can you still walk? Typically, a minor ankle fracture won't prevent you from walking. You might even be able to walk right after the injury. If you have a serious break, you'll need to avoid walking for a few months.
Can a fracture heal without a cast?
Technically speaking, the answer to the question “can broken bones heal without a cast?” is yes. Assuming conditions are just right, a broken bone can heal without a cast. However, (and very importantly) it doesn't work in all cases. Likewise, a broken bone left to heal without a cast may heal improperly.
How long does it take to walk again after ankle fracture?
It takes around six to 10 weeks to recover from a broken ankle. During this time, you will probably need to wear a cast or boot. Most people are able to walk normally again and resume their daily activities by around three months. Endurance will improve over time and as your strength improves.
Is ankle surgery painful?
Orthopaedic surgeries are among the most painful surgical procedures, and patients are at high risk of inadequate postoperative pain control. Among ambulatory procedures, ankle surgeries in particular have been found to be among the most painful.
How long is ankle surgery recovery?
Ankle surgery recovery takes time—typically at least six weeks, depending on the type of surgery and the severity of the injury.
How long do you stay in hospital after ankle surgery?
If you are outpatient, you will go home on the same day after becoming fully awake in a recovery room after surgery. The amount of time from surgery to being fully awake is typically between three and six hours.
What is the best way to treat a broken ankle?
A CT scan may help your doctor determine the best treatment for your broken ankle. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create very detailed images of the ligaments that help hold your ankle together. This imaging helps to show ligaments and bones and can identify fractures not seen on X-rays.
Where to get treatment for broken ankle?
You will likely initially seek treatment for a broken ankle in an emergency room or urgent care clinic. If the pieces of broken bone aren't lined up properly for healing, you may be referred to a doctor specializing in orthopedic surgery.
What does a doctor do when you have a sore ankle?
Your doctor will examine your ankle to check for points of tenderness. The precise location of your pain can help determine its cause.
What is the best way to diagnose fractures?
Bone scan. A bone scan can help your doctor diagnose fractures that don't show up on X-rays. A technician will inject a small amount of radioactive material into a vein. The radioactive material is attracted to your bones, especially the parts of your bones that have been damaged.
How to reduce swelling in ankle?
Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, every three to four hours to bring down the swelling. Keep your ankle elevated. Don't put any weight on your injured ankle. Lightly wrap the injury in a soft bandage that provides slight compression. By Mayo Clinic Staff.
What to do if you have a broken bone?
Depending on the amount of pain and swelling you have, you may need a muscle relaxant, a sedative or a local anesthetic to numb the area before this procedure. Immobilization. A broken bone must be immobilized so that it can heal. In most cases, this requires a special boot or a cast. Surgery.
What do you use to fix a fractured bone?
Surgery. In some cases, an orthopedic surgeon may need to use pins, plates or screws to maintain proper position of your bones during healing. These materials may be removed after the fracture has healed if they are prominent or painful.
How long does it take for an ankle fracture to heal?
Initial healing may be complete within 3-4 months, but it can take up to 2 years for an ankle fracture to heal. Wearing an ankle brace after healing can help prevent future injury during daily activities.
What is a lateral malleolus fracture?
The most common types of ankle fracture involve a lateral malleolus fracture and a bimalleolar fracture that breaks both the fibula and the tibia.
How long does it take to recover from knee surgery?
After surgery, rehabilitation is essential to restore strength and mobility. After surgery you will find your leg is splinted or in a cast. Pain will be managed with oral medications that reduce the need for the use of opioids. You will use a knee scooter or crutches. Weight bearing activity will be prohibited for 4-6 weeks after surgery. Sutures will be removed after two weeks and you will go to a removable boot. After about six weeks, you will be able to begin rehabilitation.
How to fix broken bones?
If after the closed reduction there is more than 2 millimeters of displacement between the broken bones, your doctor will recommend surgery using screws or pins to fix the broken ends in place.
What happens if you break a bone in your ankle?
They often damage the growth plate. If the joint does not heal properly then it will grow to be uneven, leading to a crooked ankle.
What are the two common transitional fractures of the distal tibia?
Two common transitional fractures of the distal tibia are triplane fractures and Tillaux fractures.
What type of fracture breaks through the bone?
Type I fractures break through the bone at the growth plate, separating the bone end from the bone shaft. Type II fractures break through part of the bone at the growth plate and crack through the bone shaft, as well. Both of these types of fractures are unlikely to impact growth.
How to treat triplane fractures?
Treatment of triplane fractures depends on the amount of displacement between the broken bones. Minimally displaced fractures (less than 2 millimeters) and non-displaced fractures can be treated with a long-leg cast.
Where are Tillaux fractures?
Tillaux fractures. Ankle fractures occurring in the front and outside area of the distal tibia in adolescents are named after the French surgeon Tillaux. This is a Salter-Harris Type III fracture which extends through the growth plate and joint. Tillaux fractures account for 3% to 5% of pediatric ankle fractures
What type of fracture is a fibula?
When just the fibula is injured in the ankle, it is most often a Salter-Harris Type I or II fracture. These isolated fractures most often result from low-energy trauma, such as a fall. Isolated distal fibular fractures generally heal well when treated with a short-leg walking cast.
How to fix ankle fractures?
Treatment is based on the alignment of the bones and the stability of the ankle joint. The goal is to have the bones heal as closely to perfect as possible so as to prevent any residual instability or malalignment of the bone. A malalignment of as little as two millimeters in the ankle joint can lead to arthritis. It is much easier to fix a fracture than to treat arthritis in the future. Certain mild ankle breaks (stable and with no displacement) can be treated nonsurgically with a splint, short leg cast, or other protective device such as a walking boot Some patients may be able to walk immediately while wearing a support while others may have to use crutches to limit weightbearing.
Why is it important to have surgery on ankle fractures?
For more serious fractures in which bones or bone fragments are misaligned , surgical intervention is necessary to prevent improper healing (malunion) that would impede proper movement in the ankle and possibly lead to other complications.
What is the bump on the inside of the ankle called?
Bimalleolar ankle fracture: This second-most common type involves breaks of both the lateral malleolus and of the medial malleolus, the knobby bump on the inside of the ankle (in the lower portion of the tibia).
What is a broken ankle?
A broken ankle is a fracture or multiple fractures of one or more of three bones in the ankle joint: the tibia (shinbone), the fibula (outer bone of the lower leg), and the talus. Broken Ankle?
What is a trimalleolar ankle fracture?
Trimalleolar ankle fracture: This type involves breaks in three sides of the ankle: the medial mal leolus of the tibia, as well as the lateral malleolus and posterior malleolus (in the lower portion of the fibula).
What are the different types of ankle fractures?
Within each of the above types, the fracture will be either: 1 Nondisplaced – Bones are broken but still in correct position and alignment. 2 Displaced – Fractured portions of bone are separated or misaligned. The treatment will be based on fracture alignment and stability of the ankle.
Why does my ankle break?
But they can also be caused by a high-force impact, such as from a fall or automobile collision. Breaks that occur suddenly, during a specific incident or injury, are known as traumatic ankle fractures. But a bone in the ankle can also break due to repetitive stress or impact over time. These are called stress fractures.
What is the best treatment for a fractured ankle?
Immobilization. Immobilization of an ankle fracture is commonly performed in the emergency room. 2 Usually, a splint or cast will be applied to hold the ankle in place while allowing the bones to heal. Immobilization also helps with pain as it will allow the ankle joint to rest and the swelling to subside. If the ankle fracture is not badly ...
When will ankle fractures be treated?
on January 20, 2020. No matter what type of ankle fracture has occurred, there are some basic treatment principles that can be accomplished with a few initial steps. Your surgeon will help guide you on treatment specifics, such as if surgery is necessary, but here are some of the basics. ERproductions Ltd / Getty Images.
What are the risks of ankle fractures?
Of particular concern with ankle fractures are people who may be at high risk for infection and healing complications. 3 These include people who smoke, have diabetes, or have peripheral vascular disease (circulation problems).
What is the most important factor to consider when deciding on the treatment of an ankle fracture?
Below are a few important considerations: Stability of the ankle joint: The most important factor to consider in deciding on the treatment of an ankle fracture is the stability of the ankle joint. 2 The ankle joint is where three bones come together, and allows the foot to bend up and down. If unstable, the function and stability ...
Why does my ankle wear out so quickly?
The reason the joint wears out quickly is similar to a car wearing out tires when the wheels are not properly aligned. The most common reason to perform surgery on a broken ankle is due to an unstable joint. 2 .
How to fix a broken ankle?
Immobilization of an ankle fracture is commonly performed in the emergency room. 2 Usually, a splint or cast will be applied to hold the ankle in place while allowing the bones to heal. Immobilization also helps with pain as it will allow the ankle joint to rest and the swelling to subside. If the ankle fracture is not badly displaced, the splint may be put on without moving the broken ankle. If the broken bone is out of position, a procedure called a reduction of the fracture will be performed to reposition the bone. 2
How long can you put weight on a broken ankle?
Sometimes, patients will not be able to place any weight on the ankle for several months, other times within days to weeks. 1 Determining when you can place weight on the broken ankle depends on the type of ankle fracture; this will have to be discussed with your doctor.
How to heal a broken ankle?
Rest: Rest is key. Staying off your injury will help you heal faster. You will likely wear a cast to help keep the foot and ankle immobilized. Ice: Ice the area for 20 minutes at a time to help with swelling and inflammation. Continue icing every 40 minutes. Compression: Wrapping the injury helps control swelling.
What is the program called for a fractured foot?
For complex wounds of the foot, we have a unique program called the Orthoplastic Limb Salvage Center, where a specialized team of orthopaedic surgeons and plastic surgeons work together to determine a plan for reconstructive surgery and operate together. Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons have expertise in treating all types of bone fractures and performing bone-grafting procedures, while plastic surgeons have specialized training and knowledge of soft tissue injuries that may accompany traumatic fractures.
What is the Penn Orthoplastic Limb Salvage Center?
The Penn Orthoplastic Limb Salvage Center is the only program of this kind in the U.S. that provides this level of integrated care and expertise in microsurgical and complex fracture treatment. All of the surgeons are accustomed to treating injuries that require multiple surgeries at the same time, including re-plantation of limbs and toes and specialized microvascular procedures to repair bones and soft tissues. We consistently combine highly advanced surgical specialties that ensure the best possible outcome for more serious fractures and wounds of the foot and ankle and prevent limb amputation for those at risk.
What happens if you fracture your ankle?
The structure of the foot and ankle contains many bones intricately working together, and if just one of these bones are fractured it can cause extreme pain and greatly impair mobility. It’s important to immediately seek treatment if you have suffered a foot and/or ankle fracture to ensure a complete recovery and have function restored as quickly as possible.
Why is it important to seek treatment for a fracture?
Seeking treatment for fractures is very important in order to ensure healing takes place as quickly as possible. A fracture refers to an injury or break to the bones. There are many types of fractures, ranging from small hairline fractures to traumatic bone breaks.
What tests are needed to diagnose a foot fracture?
To diagnose a foot and ankle fracture, you should be seen by an orthopaedic specialist to assess the severity of the injury and determine a plan for treatment. Imaging tests will likely be ordered, which may include: Musculoskeletal ultrasound. MRI. CT scans.
How long does it take to recover from a foot fracture?
Foot and Ankle Fracture Surgery Recovery. Depending on the severity of your foot and/or ankle fracture, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to fully recover. Speak with your doctor about what recovery may mean for you.
At-Home Fractured Ankle Treatments
Treatment for a fractured ankle will depend upon the type of fracture and its severity. Regardless, there are home remedy options to help reduce pain and swelling associated with a broken ankle.
Professional Treatment
Every ankle fracture will need professional treatment. Your doctor will likely start with a physical exam and an x-ray to determine the sight of the fracture. Once all the tests are complete your doctor will then discuss their plan of treatment. Below are possible treatments that you may encounter with a broken ankle.
Surgical Treatment
Not everyone needs surgical treatment for their ankle fracture. You are more likely to need it if there is a reason your ankle will not heal normally, some reasons are if your bone is dramatically out of alignment after the break, bone breaks through your skin, or for severe fractures where the bone breaks into multiple pieces.
Choosing the Right Ankle Treatment
A broken ankle can include a break in the fibula, tibia, or talus. This can land you in the emergency room with severe pain. An ER doctor or orthopaedic surgeon will evaluate your lower leg and foot and likely order an ankle x-ray.
What is the treatment for a fractured ankle?
A stable fracture means that the broken bones remain in alignment. This can be determined with an X-ray stress test. Nonsurgical treatment for stable fractures typically includes immobilizing the ankle in a cast, brace or a boot.
What is the best treatment for a broken ankle?
Nonsurgical treatment for stable fractures typically includes immobilizing the ankle in a cast, brace or a boot. Your physician may also recommend avoiding putting weight on your broken ankle for a certain period of time.
What are the three bones that make up the ankle?
Conditions We Treat: Ankle Fractures (Broken Ankle) The ankle joint is made up of three bones: the tibia, fibula and talus. If you injure your ankle, one or several of these bones may break (fracture). Ankle fractures vary in severity and should be evaluated by a physician.
Can you get physical therapy before ankle surgery?
If the circumstances allow, our ankle experts can in some cases speed up recovery through physical therapy before the operation. Our team includes physical therapists trained in foot and ankle injuries and rehabilitation.
Can you have surgery for a broken ankle?
Most unstable ankle fractures, and occasionally stable ankle fractures, could benefit from a surgery. A surgery to repair a broken ankle usually includes aligning the bones followed by internal fixation (connecting the bones with screws, plates or wires).
Can cartilage damage ankles?
Cartilage damage can sometimes accompany ankle fractures. Our team is working on innovative treatments for cartilage injuries to the ankle joint.
How to repair a broken ankle?
If you have more extensive damage to your ankle, or the fragments of broken bone are separated far from one another, your doctor will perform surgery to repair your fractured ankle with special screws or wires. Injuries resulting in broken skin require antibiotics given intravenously (into a vein) to prevent infection.
How long does it take to heal a broken ankle?
If your ankle fracture involves only one malleolus, and the segments of broken bone lie very close together, your doctor usually can treat the injury by immobilizing your ankle and foot in a cast for six to eight weeks.
What is the bone that is located in the lower leg?
The fibula — This is the thinner of the two bones of the lower leg. Its lower end forms a hard, bony knob, called the lateral malleolus, which you can feel at the outside of your ankle. The talus — This is a wedge-shaped bone that is located deep inside the ankle, braced between the heel bone and the ends of the tibia and fibula.
How to tell if you have a fractured ankle?
If you have a fractured ankle, your symptoms probably will include: 1 Pain, swelling, tenderness and bruising at your ankle joint 2 Inability to move your ankle through its normal range of motion 3 Inability to bear weight on your injured ankle — However, if you can bear weight on the ankle, don't assume there is no fracture. 4 In some cases, a "crack" or "snap" in the ankle at the time of injury 5 In open fractures, severe ankle deformity, with portions of the fractured bone visible through broken skin
Why are ankle fractures so common?
People involved in a wide range of athletic activities, including ballet dancers, snowboarders, basketball players and skydivers, are at high risk of ankle fractures because of the physical demands placed on their ankles. Ankle fractures also occur during slips on icy pavement, falls from a high place, or direct impacts to the ankle during a car crash or motorcycle accident. High-impact ankle injuries are especially dangerous if the bone pokes through the skin and is exposed to the air. The open wound allows bacteria to contaminate the broken bone, and greatly increases the risk of infection.
What is an open fracture?
In open fractures, severe ankle deformity, with portions of the fractured bone visible through broken skin
What are the symptoms of a fractured ankle?
Symptoms. If you have a fractured ankle, your symptoms probably will include: Inability to bear weight on your injured ankle — However, if you can bear weight on the ankle, don't assume there is no fracture. In open fractures, severe ankle deformity, with portions of the fractured bone visible through broken skin.
Salter Harris I and II Fractures
Salter-Harris III Fractures
Salter-Harris IV Fractures
Salter-Harris V Fractures
Specialist to consult
Distal Fibular Fractures
Special Distal Tibial Fractures