If a person breaks their ankle, and the bones no longer line up with each other, a doctor may need to perform a surgical procedure to re-position and secure the bones. The ankleis the joint that connects the leg and the foot
The ankle joint includes the two lower leg bones called the tibia and fibula, and the ankle bone called the tailus. Together,the end of the tibia and fibula create a whartos or “slot” for the talus which forms the bottom of the ankle joint. Tissues called ligaments and tendons support the ankle bones.Ligaments attach bones to bones, and tendons attach muscles to bones. The ankle joint allows the foot to move up and down. Ankle injuries usually happen during athletic activities,falls, or car accidents.
The most common type of ankle fracture occurs when the foot turns in ward, and the ankle rotates outward. If the fracture is stable, the pieces of bone still line up in their normal position. In any type of fracture, more than one bone may break. In a displaced fracture, the pieces of bone no longer line up. If bone breaks through the skin, it’s known as a compound or “open” fracture. In addition to broken bones, the ankle may be sprained. This means the ligaments have been stretched or torn.If the ankle is very swollen, the surgeon may delay a surgical procedure to allow the swelling to go down. During this time, the surgeon may put the ankle in a splint to provide support. During this time, the surgeon may recommend elevating the ankle above the level of the heart and applying ice to it. To treat a stable ankle fracture, the healthcare provider may put the leg in a cast or a boot to keep the ankle from moving so that the bones can heal together. Displaced and compound fractures with multiple broken bones and torn ligaments may require a surgical procedure.
The most common surgical procedure to repair a displaced open fracture is called an open reduction with internal fixation. To begin, the surgeon will make an incision over the area of the fracture. The surgeon will open up the area to feel the pieces of bone and line them back up with each other. A plate and screws will be used to keep them aligned. Additional screws may be inserted through another incision to hold other fracture fragments in place. If the ligaments holding the tibia and fibula together are severly damaged, the surgeon will place a screw through both bones, ora suture device may be placed through both bones. Either of these devices will help hold the bones together while the ligaments heal. At the end of the procedure, the surgeon will close any skin incisions with stitches.
Bone(s) are put back in place, you may have
a cast or splint to keep the injured bone(s)
from moving. If you have a bad break and
other injuries, you may need to have surgery
and stay in the hospital. Most bones heal in
The area near the broken bone may:
• Hurt
• Feel weak
• Feel numb or tingle
• Be swollen or bruised
• Bleed if the skin is broken
• Look bent if the bones are out of place
• Be hard to move
Your care
• Keep the injured area raised above your
heart as much as possible to reduce
swelling. Use pillows to raise your injured
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