Fracture
What is a Fracture?
Ankle Fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint, including the tibia, fibula, and talus. Ankle fractures can vary in severity from simple, clean breaks to more complex fractures involving multiple bones and the surrounding ligaments. The injury typically occurs due to trauma or excessive force to the ankle.
​
Mechanism of Injury:
Ankle fractures typically result from high-impact trauma or twisting injuries, such as:
-
Falls: Landing awkwardly on the ankle from a height can cause fractures, particularly if the foot twists or rolls upon impact.
-
Sports Injuries: High-impact sports like football, basketball, or skiing, where sudden direction changes or collisions occur, are common causes of ankle fractures.
-
Motor Vehicle Accidents: High-energy impacts, such as those from car accidents, can cause severe fractures.
-
Twisting Motions: Rolling or twisting the ankle, particularly during activities like running on uneven surfaces, can lead to fractures.
-
Direct Blows: A direct hit to the ankle, such as being struck by a heavy object, can also cause fractures.
Symptoms
-
Severe Pain: Immediate and intense pain at the site of the fracture, often making it difficult or impossible to bear weight on the affected foot.
-
Swelling: Significant swelling around the ankle, which may extend to the foot and lower leg.
-
Bruising: Visible bruising around the ankle, foot, and sometimes up the leg.
-
Deformity: In severe cases, the ankle may appear visibly deformed or misaligned.
-
Inability to Move: Difficulty or inability to move the ankle or foot due to pain and instability.
-
Tenderness: The area around the fracture is usually very tender to touch.
Treatment
Immediate First Aid (Pre-Hospital Care):
-
Immobilisation: Keep the ankle as still as possible using a splint or brace to prevent further injury.
-
Ice: Apply ice to reduce swelling and pain, but do not place ice directly on the skin.
-
Elevation: Elevate the ankle above heart level to help reduce swelling.
-
Seek Medical Attention: Transport the individual to a medical facility for further evaluation and treatment.
​
Non-Surgical Treatment:
-
Casting or Bracing: If the fracture is stable and the bones are well-aligned, the ankle may be immobilised in a cast or brace to allow healing.
-
Crutches: Use crutches to avoid weight-bearing on the injured ankle during the healing process.
-
Rest: Avoid putting weight on the ankle until cleared by a healthcare professional.
-
Physical Therapy: After the cast is removed, physical therapy is essential to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
​
Surgical Treatment:
-
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): Surgery may be required for complex or displaced fractures, where metal plates, screws, or rods are used to realign and stabilise the bones.
-
Post-Surgical Care: Follow-up with immobilisation in a cast or brace, along with a structured rehabilitation program.
-
Rehabilitation:
-
Physical Therapy: After immobilisation or surgery, physical therapy is crucial to regain mobility, strength, and function in the ankle.
-
Strengthening Exercises: Focus on rebuilding the muscles around the ankle to support the joint.
-
Range of Motion Exercises: To gradually restore flexibility and movement to the ankle.
-
Gradual Return to Activity: Begin with low-impact activities and gradually progress as the ankle heals.