How serious is a medial malleolus fracture?
Table of Contents
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.
Can a medial malleolus fracture heal without surgery?
There have been several studies that have documented good healing of medial malleolus fractures treated without surgery. 2 Most often these fractures are not out of position.
Can you walk with a medial malleolus fracture?
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.
Does a mildly displaced fracture need surgery?
Displaced fracture – The bone fragments on each side of the break aren’t aligned, which may require surgery for complete healing. Comminuted fracture – The bone is broken into pieces, which may require surgery for complete healing.
How do you fix a medial malleolus fracture?
Surgical Treatment If the fracture is out of place or the ankle is unstable, surgery may be recommended. (Left) X-ray of a medial malleolus fracture. (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.
How long does it take for a fractured malleolus to heal?
In some cases, though, surgery has to be performed to align the bone and hold it together with metal plates, rods, or screws. In general, it takes at least 6 weeks for the broken malleolus to heal.
How long does it take to heal medial malleolus?
Ankle undisplaced medial malleolus fracture
| Healing: | This normally takes approximately 6 weeks to heal. |
|---|---|
| Pain and Swelling: | The swelling is often worse at the end of the day and elevating it will help. Pain and swelling can be ongoing for 3-6 months. Take pain killers as prescribed. |
What is a mildly displaced fracture?
Displaced fractures: A gap forms where the bone breaks. Often, this injury requires surgery to fix. Partial fractures: The break doesn’t go all the way through the bone. Stress fractures: The bone gets a crack in it, which is sometimes tough to find with imaging.
Why is medial malleolus important?
The medial malleolus and the associated deltoid ligament provide for ankle stability on the medial side.
How do you treat a medial malleolus stress fracture?
Conclusion: Early MRI is recommended if a medial malleolar stress fracture is suspected. Surgical treatment seems to result in rapid healing of the fracture and return to sports. In our opinion early surgery should be considered especially in athletes.
How long does it take a displaced fracture to heal?
Most fractures heal in 6-8 weeks, but this varies tremendously from bone to bone and in each person based on many of the factors discussed above. Hand and wrist fractures often heal in 4-6 weeks whereas a tibia fracture may take 20 weeks or more.