Can you walk on a fractured lateral malleolus?
Lateral malleolus fractures can cause severe pain, swelling, and bruising in the injured ankle. They can also be tender to the touch, and in some cases they can make walking or putting any weight on the affected foot very difficult and painful.
Does lateral malleolus fracture need surgery?
Lateral malleolus fractures are often stable and can be treated without surgery. When a lateral malleolus fracture is accompanied by a sprain of the ligament on the inside of the ankle (the deltoid ligament), your injury may be unstable and may require surgery.
How long does a lateral malleolus avulsion fracture take to heal?
Lateral malleolus avulsion 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. |
How do you fix a lateral malleolus fracture?
Most lateral malleolus fractures don’t require surgery. However, you will want to take steps to reduce pain and swelling in the ankle. Treatment usually involves rest, ice, and elevation. Ankle supports can also help.
Is it easy to break your lateral malleolus?
Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:851–5. Lateral malleolar fractures are often described as “simple”, or “straight forward” and “easy” to fix. However, there is quite a high incidence of complications after surgical treatment.
How do you diagnose a lateral malleolus fracture?
Diagnosis of a lateral malleolus fracture An X-ray is usually required to confirm diagnosis and assess the severity of the fracture. Further investigations such as an MRI, CT scan or bone scan may be required, in some cases, to assist with diagnosis and assess the severity of the injury.
What’s the worst ankle fracture?
A trimalleolar ankle fracture is when your ankle breaks in three separate places. Only 7% of all ankle breaks are trimalleolar ankle fractures. They are rare, and they are among the worst kinds of ankle fractures.
What is the function of the lateral malleolus?
Lateral Ligament The lateral ligaments stabilize the ankle, and serve as a guide to direct ankle motion by attaching the lateral malleolus to the bones below the ankle joint. They are responsible for resistance against inversion and internal rotation stress.
Can you walk on an ankle fracture?
Broken ankle — can you still walk? Typically, a minor ankle fracture won’t prevent you from walking. You might even be able to walk right after the injury. If you have a serious break, you’ll need to avoid walking for a few months.