An ankle fracture or so-called ankle dislocation fracture is one of the most common fractures. Ankle fractures are often caused by twisting or twisting the foot when the body is stationary.
Further information on ankle fractures and their treatment can be found in the text below. You can also find selected specialists for the treatment of ankle fractures here.
The ankle joint bears the weight of the whole body when walking. It is made up of the medial and lateral malleolus and the so-called Volkmann's triangle.
In addition to this bony guidance, various ligaments, especially the anterior and posterior syndesmosis ligaments, are also important for the stability of the ankle joint. If these ligaments are torn, the ankle joint is no longer stable and can wear out quickly.
Ankle fractures or so-called ankle dislocation fractures are one of the most common fractures. It is often caused by twisting or twisting the foot when the body is stationary. Depending on the cause, different ankle fractures occur.
The bones and ligaments of the ankle joint © bilderzwerg / Fotolia
The diagnosis of an ankle dislocation fracture can often be made on examination.
A severe ankle fracture results in a grotesque misalignment of the ankle joint. Lighter forms are accompanied by swelling of only the outer ankle or only the inner ankle.
An open fracture of the ankle is an emergency that requires immediate surgical treatment.
In the case of minor ankle fractures, there is swelling of the ankle © Leo / Fotolia
When classifying ankle fractures, doctors differentiate between open and closed fractures. The height of the fracture on the outer ankle also classifies an ankle fracture more precisely.
There are also some special forms.
The treatment of an ankle fracture depends on the type of fracture.
Treatment usually consists of surgical treatment for the more severely displaced fractures. Typically, a plate is inserted into the outer ankle through a 5 to 10 cm incision. In addition to the plate, 5 to 6 screws are then inserted.
In many cases of type C ankle fractures, a so-called syndesmosis screw is added. This screw stabilizes the joint between the tibia and fibula.
If a displaced medial malleolus is also fractured, a screw fixation of the medial malleolus would also be useful. Treatment is usually carried out as an inpatient.
Once the soft tissue has improved and the swelling has subsided, mobilization is carried out.
In the case of a stable fracture, weight-bearing begins on the 1st or 2nd day after the operation if there is no pain. The patient must use forearm crutches.
In the case of an unstable fracture, the patient may often only bear partial weight on the joint. Depending on the bone quality, a lower leg cast or an orthosis (removable cast) may also be applied.
In the case of ankle fractures involving the inner and outer ankle, only partial weight-bearing is usually permitted.
Aftercare consists of mobilization and weight-bearing in a pain-free area. This is usually either full weight-bearing or 15 kg partial weight-bearing after discharge. After 4 to 6 weeks, full weight-bearing can usually be resumed.
An orthosis stabilizes the ankle joint even during weight-bearing © sunnychicka / Fotolia
The plates and screws are usually very noticeable under the relatively thin layer of skin and fatty tissue on the ankle joint. Metal removal is therefore often necessary. The metal parts can also remain in the bone without causing discomfort.
You can typically start sporting activities after 3 to 6 months.
In addition to elevation and a plaster splint, thrombosis prophylaxis is usually carried out for as long as the plaster splint is worn. For this purpose, there are appropriate ready-made injections that the patient can give themselves once a day.
Depending on the severity of the fracture and the accompanying injuries, the chances of recovery are good. If damage to the cartilage occurred in the initial accident, the prospects of healing are worse.
The more severe the type of fracture, i.e. the more likely it is to be an open fracture or the higher the fracture of the fibula, the worse the prognosis.
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