Usually, suppose someone becomes unable to walk or perform daily tasks due to some injury. In that case, he goes into depression and anxiety and feels helpless. Additionally, injury makes participating in hobbies a challenging task that can develop feelings of isolation and a weakening of social ties. The severity of the issue increases if your ankle gets hurt. Ankle joints are one of the crucial components of the lower limb. Hence, it is a part of various movements, especially foot movement. Moreover, it facilitates other body movements, too, and supports weight and balance.
An ankle fracture or broken ankle is a state in which one or more bones of the ankle crack. Usually, abrupt twisting motions, trauma, falls, and sports injuries are the causes of them. Advanced medical science provides numerous solutions, including surgery. Does ankle fracture vary? Can a single ankle fracture treatment strategy deal with every kind of fracture? This blog will help you to understand the types of ankle fractures and how they affect treatment choices.
Major Kinds of ankle fractures
The range of ankle fractures is wide. Their severity and complexity can be categorized based on the specific bones involved, the fracture’s location, and the break pattern. The following are common types of ankle fracture
1. Lateral Malleolus Fracture
It is the ankle injury that is associated with cracking of the fibula, the smaller bone in the lower leg at its lower end. Twisting injuries, falls, or high-impact trauma can be its major cause. Mild cases may only require immobilization with a cast or brace, while treatment for more severe situations differs.
2. Medial Malleolus Fracture
The breakage of the tibia bone at the lower end is a Medial Malleolus fracture. It can occur due to twisting injuries, falls, or direct impact to the ankle. Plus, it can be a part of a more complex ankle fracture.
3. Bimalleolar Fracture
The word “Bi” represents the number “two.” The name bimalleolar represents the damage to two bones. Thus, it is a serious ankle injury involving fractures of both tibia and fibula. Traumas with a strong impact, like falls or car crashes, rank highly on the list of causes. Patients frequently feel incapable of supporting their own weight.
4. Trimalleolar Fracture
Tri-malleolar fracture got its name because it is a situation involving fractures of three parts of the ankle. As it is a severe situation, surgical ways are necessary to restore ankle mobility and functionality.
5. Pilon Fracture (Tibial Plafond Fracture)
A pilon fracture, also known as a tibial plafond fracture, is a complicated ankle joint fracture that occurs at the lower end of the tibia. Its impact spreads to the surrounding cartilage, ligaments, and soft tissues, frequently affecting both the tibia and fibula, and may extend into the ankle joint.
6. Maisonneuve Fracture
A Maisonneuve fracture is a kind of ankle fracture that happens when the ankle is sprained and the upper portion of the fibula breaks. A pronation-external rotation injury, which can occur when the foot is planted and then externally rotated, is the source of this injury.
Impact Of Fracture Type On Treatment Choice
The ankle joint lies in the lower portion of the body; hence, it is more responsible for bearing weight and foot mobility. Its injury can happen in various dimensions. Thus, fracture type in the ankle is a detrimental factor for the way it can be treated. Here is a brief description of the impact of types of ankle fractures on the treatment strategies.
1. Complexity and Stability
While choosing a remedy, the first thing to consider is the complexity and stability of an ankle fracture. In cases of stable fractures, where the bones stay in their proper alignment, fixation with a cast or brace and natural healing are common management options. On the contrary, unstable fractures involving misalignment of bones need surgery. Some common examples are pilon, trimalleolar, or bimalleolar fractures. Moreover, the degree of harm to the surrounding cartilage and ligaments affects treatment as well. For instance, fractures that cause significant displacement or disturbance of the joint surface need precise fixing with plates and screws. Hence, the procedure must be long in order to achieve stable results.
2. Joint Involvement
The degree to which ankle joint surfaces are impacted by a fracture is known as joint involvement. Ankle instability and arthritis can result from fractures that puncture the joint and destroy cartilage, which can interfere with the normal contact between bones. The only way to straighten the bones, stabilize the joint, and prevent further problems is to have surgery.
3. Need for Multiple Medical Procedures
The treatment journey can entirely take a new form if associated medical conditions occur along with a crack to the ankle. Specialists may carry out several procedures to guarantee appropriate healing and function restoration. Before undergoing final surgery, such as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), brief stabilization with external fixation may be necessary. Additional treatments like bone grafting, cartilage repair, or ligament reconstruction can be a part of the treatment plan in cases requiring bone loss, cartilage damage, or ligament injury. Surgeon carry out Debridement and then rebuild if infections arise.
4. Patient’s Health status
When choosing a treatment plan for an ankle fracture, a patient’s health status is highly important because it might affect the surgical result, recovery period after ankle surgery, and occurrence of complications. Patients with medical diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, or obesity are susceptible to infection, delayed healing, or anesthesia-related problems. Moreover, patients with osteoporosis or those who are elderly may have more brittle bones, which increases their risk of new fractures or hinders their ability to recover. All factors can compel specialists to change their treatment strategies accordingly.
5. Previous History of Fractures
When it comes to treating a new ankle fracture, a prior history of fractures can have a big impact. Joint instability, scar tissue that makes surgery more difficult, or poorer bone quality (from previous trauma or surgical intervention) are some possible situations. There may be a need to take out or replace the existing hardware if the patient has had internal fixation in the past. Thus, doctors can make a different plan. In contrast to standard fracture repair, more complex procedures like corrective osteotomy or ankle fusion may be needed for chronic conditions like post-traumatic arthritis or malunion. Hence, the overall treatment approach becomes more careful, with a focus on long-term joint function.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, ankle joints are highly valuable because of their role in body stability and foot movement. A crack to the joint is a complex medical condition and can exist in numerous forms. Since various types of ankle fractures have different levels of complexity, the type plays a major role in determining the ankle fracture treatment cost. Unstable fractures, which involve multiple bone fragments or ligament injuries, usually require surgery to ensure proper alignment and stability. At the same time, stable fractures can be treated conservatively with rest and casting. Additionally, fractures involving broken bones necessitate more involved treatments, such as bone grafting or external fixation. Plus, reconstructive procedures can be necessary for fractures that result in cartilage damage or joint dislocation. The ultimate goal of the fracture-specific treatment plan is to restore function, avoid complications, and maintain long-term joint health.
