How serious is a medial malleolus fracture?
How serious is a medial malleolus fracture?
Comminuted fractures of the medial malleolus are generally high-energy injuries that break the bone into multiple pieces. Comminuted medial malleolus fractures can be technically challenging injuries to treat given the limited surface area by which a surgeon can reconstruct the bone fragments.
How long does it take for medial malleolus to heal?
This normally takes approximately 6 weeks to unite (heal) although pain and swelling can be ongoing for 3 to 6 months. You may walk on the foot as comfort allows although you will find it easier to walk with crutches in the early stages. The swelling is often worse at the end of the day and elevating it will help.
Can a medial malleolus fracture heal without surgery?
Fractures usually are treated with a short leg cast or a removable brace, often called a boot. Several studies have documented proper healing of medial malleolus fractures without surgery.
Can you walk on a fractured malleolus?
While it heals, support may be rendered by wearing a high-top tennis shoe, or a short leg cast. Some doctors allow patients to immediately walk on the affected leg. Some may recommend holding out for six weeks. If the ankle is unstable or the bones are out of place, the fracture may need to be treated with surgery.
How do you fix a medial malleolus fracture?
Surgical Treatment (Right) Surgical repair of a medial malleolus fracture with a plate and screws. In some cases, surgery may be considered even if the fracture is not out of place. This is done to reduce the risk of the fracture not healing (called a nonunion), and to allow you to start moving the ankle earlier.
Why is my medial malleolus hurting?
Tibialis posterior tendinosis, which is degeneration of the tibialis posterior tendon, and tibialis posterior tenosynovitis are the most common causes of pain behind the medial malleolus. The posterior tibial tendon lies immediately behind the medial malleolus.
How long does a fractured lateral malleolus take to heal?
Lateral Malleolus Fracture Recovery Timeline It takes approximately 6 weeks for bones to heal, and associated ligaments and other soft tissue even longer. A pain management protocol is given to the patient, typically in hopes that opioid medications will not be needed.
Is a lateral malleolus fracture serious?
Summary. Ankle fractures tend to be stable (less serious) or unstable (more serious). Lateral malleolus fractures are stable ankle fractures, and you usually don’t need surgery. They can happen when you take an awkward step and roll your ankle.
What are the Malleoli?
A malleolus is the bony prominence on each side of the human ankle. The left leg, with the medial malleolus labeled at bottom right.
