Ankle Fracture
Andreas Leonidou
Andreas Leonidou
56 Kifisias Ave. & Delfon St.,
Marousi, 15125
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Cost
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Ankle fracture, also known as an ankle break, is one of the most common injuries. It is a painful injury that can range from a simple fracture of one bone to multiple fractures in the same area. The more fractures present, the more unstable the joint becomes. Ankle fractures can occur in anyone, regardless of age.
ANKLE FRACTURE: ANATOMY
The most commonly affected bones are the fibula (lateral malleolus), which is located on the outer side, and the tibia (medial malleolus), which is located on the inner side. If a fracture involves both bones, it is called a bimalleolar fracture, while if the posterior surface of the tibia is also fractured, it is called a trimalleolar fracture. In many cases, the fracture is accompanied by rupture of the ligaments between the tibia and fibula.
ANKLE FRACTURE: CAUSES
An ankle fracture is usually caused by a twisting injury while walking or running, such as during sports activities. It can also be caused by a high-energy impact, such as a fall. More specifically, an ankle fracture may be caused by:
Rotation of the joint
Fall
Direct blow
Twisting or rolling of the foot
ANKLE FRACTURE: SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of an ankle fracture tend to be quite noticeable and may include:
Pain, although the pain may not originate from the exact location of the fracture.
Difficulty walking
Swelling around the ankle
Bruising and blisters around the joint, although not immediately
In severe fractures, visible deformities of the bones around the ankle may be present.
If nerves or blood vessels supplying the foot are injured, there may be even more pain accompanied by numbness or weakness in moving the foot or toes.
HOW IS AN ANKLE FRACTURE DIAGNOSED?
After discussing your medical history, symptoms, and the way in which the injury occurred, the Orthopaedic Surgeon will clinically examine your foot. If the doctor suspects an ankle fracture, they will proceed with additional imaging tests (X-ray or CT scan) to provide more information regarding your injury.
ANKLE FRACTURE: TREATMENT
Treatment is based on the alignment of the bones and the stability of the ankle joint. Depending on the extent of the injury, treatment for an ankle fracture can be either conservative or surgical.
Conservative Treatment
If the ankle fracture involves only one bone and is not displaced, treatment is non-surgical and includes the use of a walking boot for 6 weeks. After 3 weeks, full weight-bearing with the boot is permitted.
Surgical Treatment
In more severe cases of ankle fractures, surgical treatment is necessary. During surgery, the bone fragments are repositioned and stabilised with special screws and metal plates attached to the surface of the bone. The surgery is performed under regional anaesthesia and does not require general anaesthesia or sedation. The patient is discharged from the hospital a few hours later, as hospitalisation is not required.
RECOVERY AFTER AN ANKLE FRACTURE
Before discharge from the hospital, the patient will discuss in detail with Dr Leonidou the surgical findings and will receive the relevant booklet with postoperative instructions. After surgery, the patient should not put weight on the affected leg for 4 to 6 weeks. Regular ice therapy is recommended. The plaster splint used after surgery is replaced by a walking boot after 3 weeks. The patient will be monitored by a physiotherapist from our team, following an individualised rehabilitation protocol. Most patients fully return to their daily activities within 3 months.CAN I HAVE AN MRI WITH THE INTERNAL FIXATION MATERIALS?
Dr Leonidou uses the most modern and reliable materials. Patients can safely undergo MRI scans postoperatively.DO I NEED TO REMOVE THE INTERNAL FIXATION MATERIALS?
Removal of the materials is recommended only if they are palpable beneath the skin, cause discomfort, and at least 18 months have passed since surgery.WHAT IS THE COST OF SURGERY FOR THE TREATMENT OF AN ANKLE FRACTURE?
The cost is quite affordable and depends on the complexity of the patient’s condition and the specific materials that need to be used. For more information regarding the procedure and the cost of surgery, you can contact us. If you have sustained an ankle fracture, consult the specialised Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou.Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialist care, and targeted treatment in just one visit.