
You may not require surgery if your ankle is stable, meaning the broken bone is not out of place or just barely out of place. Reproduced with permission from Michelson JD: Ankle Fractures Resulting From Rotational Injuries J Am Acad Ortho Surg 2003 11:403-412. For some ankle fractures, an MRI scan may be done to evaluate the ankle ligaments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. These tests provide high resolution images of both bones and soft tissues, like ligaments. It is especially useful when the fracture extends into the ankle joint. This x-ray is done to see if certain ankle fractures require surgery.Ĭomputed tomography (CT) scan. This type of scan can create a cross-section image of the ankle and is sometimes done to further evaluate the ankle injury. Stress test. Depending on the type of ankle fracture, the doctor may put pressure on the ankle and take a special x-ray, called a stress test. X-rays may be taken of the leg, ankle, and foot to make sure nothing else is injured. They can also show how many pieces of broken bone there are. X-rays can show if the bone is broken and whether there is displacement (the gap between broken bones). X-rays. X-rays are the most common and widely available diagnostic imaging technique. If your doctor suspects an ankle fracture, he or she will order additional tests to provide more information about your injury. Periprosthetic Fracture After Total Hip ReplacementĪfter discussing your medical history, symptoms, and how the injury occurred, your doctor will do a careful examination of your ankle, foot, and lower leg.Periprosthetic Fracture After Total Knee Replacement.Congenital Talipes Equinovarus Varus (CTEV) – Clubfoot.Developmental Dislocation (Dysplasia) of the Hip (DDH).Spine Surgical or Non-Surgical Treatment.Medial Patellofemoral Ligament (MPFL) Tear Reconstruction.Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) Reconstruction.Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Tear Reconstruction.Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction.Fractures of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine.Joint Preservation Surgical or Non-Surgical.Surgery is not usually required for a stable fracture.Foot and Ankle Fracture – Dr Mukhi's Raj Hospital Home_MAC Taping and/or an ankle brace may be used when returning to activities that require a change of support, especially for those with unstable ankles. Rehabilitation exercises are similar to that of a sprained ankle. Graded exposure to impact activities and return to play protocols if you wish to return to sport. This involves strengthening and mobility exercises of the foot and ankle. Upon removal of the boot, rehabilitation can last for 4-6 weeks. Historically a cast was used, but the walker boot allows for greater function and equivalent healing response.ĭuring this period, Physical Therapy can begin to maintain the mobility of the surrounding tissues, such as the Calf, Peroneal, and Posterior Tibialis muscles. Lateral Malleolus Fracture Conservative TreatmentĪ stable Lateral Malleolus Fracture is usually managed with 4-6 weeks in a walker boot. A study of 123 patients with lateral and mortise x-ray views are 95% accurate in diagnosing ankle fractures as anteroposterior, lateral and mortise views. An x-ray is the primary imaging model, but if this returns, as usual, a referral for an MRI or Ct Scan may be required. This is usually followed by imaging to rule out other conditions and to confirm the diagnosis. A clinical examination will often involve a hop test and tap test. A clinical interview of your symptoms alongside a clinical examination can often be sufficient to achieve a diagnosis for your therapist. A consultation with a Physical Therapist, Podiatrist, or Sports Medicine Doctor is recommended if you have any of the symptoms of a Lateral Malleolus Fracture.
