How an Ankle Fracture Can Affect Your Daily Life
Suppose the day you excitedly wake up and suddenly feel severe pain in your ankle. Even a tiny move now feels unsafe; your one strong leg is a constant source of aching pain now. It is a bitter reality of ankle fracture and an unexpected guest. An ankle fracture can significantly interfere with daily life routine by limiting mobility and affecting emotional well-being.
Usually, if someone becomes unable to walk or perform daily tasks like shopping due to some injury, he goes into depression and anxiety and feels helpless. Additionally, injury makes participation in activities, a challenging task that can develop feelings of isolation and a weakening of social ties. However, there is no need to worry. We can help you with our ankle fracture treatment in Lahore. Our goal is to restore your pleasant and pain-free life.
Personalized treatment regimens that put your rehabilitation and well-being first are what our orthopaedic consultants are committed to giving.
Ankle Joint and its Anatomy
The ankle joint, a crucial component of the lower limb, is a sophisticated assembly of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and bones intended to support body weight, promote mobility, and preserve stability. The tibia, which makes up the inside portion of the joint; the fibula, which lines up with the tibia on the outside; and the talus, which sits below the tibia and fibula, are the three prominent bones that make up this joint.
On the other hand, the malleoli—a group of bones—form an arc-shaped structure near the talus's summit. The synovium, a smoother layer that produces synovial fluid to facilitate smooth joint movement, lines the joint capsule, a fibrous membrane that surrounds the bony framework. Ligaments and fibrous tissues support the ankle joint by holding the bones firmly in place and enabling normal function.
What is Ankle Fracture (Broken Ankle)?
Another popular term for an ankle fracture is a broken ankle. It happens when you crack or break one or more of the bones of your ankle joint. The tibia, fibula, or talus—the three conspicuous ankle bones—may be affected by an injury. From little hairline cracks to more serious breaks where the bone may penetrate through the skin, ankle fractures can take many different forms. Usually, abrupt twisting motions, trauma, falls, and sports injuries are the causes of them. To encourage healthy healing and return ankle joint function, proper ankle fracture treatment is crucial.
How Can You Tell If Your
Ankle is Broken?
It is hard to know if your ankle is fractured or not every time you experience pain in it. Furthermore, until your healthcare expert examines your broken ankle, it's likely impossible for you to determine the full degree of the break. These are some indications why you should visit our orthopaedic doctor in Lahore.
- Sudden, intense pain
- Tenderness to the touch
- Visible deformity
- Swelling and bruising
- Numbness
- Cold or blue foot
Who is Dr. Ahmed Shoaib?
Dr. Ahmed Shoaib is a highly reputed orthopedic surgeon in Lahore. He is famous for his professional expertise and compassionate care for his patients. He is the founder of Orthocenter, an orthopedic clinic in Lahore, Pakistan. For over 20 years Dr. Shoaib has been offering services and procedures such as Knee replacements, Ankle fracture repair, bone cancer surgery, Wrist & shoulder Fracture surgeries, Arthroscopic Surgery, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome treatment, Hip Replacement, Joint injections and Replacement procedures.
He earned his MBBS from Allama Iqbal Medical College in 2002. After that he went to the UK to pursue advanced training. He achieved MRCS in 2006 and FRCS in Trauma and Orthopedics in 2017.
Dr. Ahmed Shoaib has also been actively contributing to medical research. His research has been published in esteemed journals and presented globally. Upon returning to Pakistan in 2020, he brought his vast knowledge, years of experience, and passion for patient care. Here, he further enhanced orthopedic services and opened an Orthocenter in Lahore. Currently, he serves as a consultant orthopedic surgeon. He is committed to transforming the lives of his people through exceptional surgical care and advanced treatments.
Badges, Accreditations & Certifications
M.B.B.S
Allama Iqbal Medical College
Consultant
Orthopaedic Surgeon Integrated Medical Care Hospital
PMDC
Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons
FEBOT
Fellow of the European Board of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
BOA
MRCS
Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons
Consultant
Orthopedic surgeon Evercare Hospital
Specialist
How Do Ankle Fractures Happen?
Ankle fractures usually result from direct trauma or force on the ankle. It may occur after an intense fall or by being hit by something. These are some typical situations in which ankle fractures can happen.
- Involvement in a motor vehicle accident
- Participation in sports activities, especially those involving direct hits to the ankle or sudden twisting movements.
- Falling from a height.
- Misplacing a step results in the ankle rolling or twisting.
Are The Different Types Of Ankle Fractures?
There is a variation in ankle fractures. Based on the particular bones involved, the location of the fracture, and the pattern of the break, they can be classified according to their seriousness and complexity. Typical forms of ankle fractures include
1
Lateral Malleolus Fracture
It is a type of fracture which involves a break in the fibula bone, usually at the lower end [malleolus] on the outside of the ankle.
2
Medial Malleolus Fracture
The tibia bone is broken at its lower and (malleolus) on the inner side of the ankle in a Medial Malleolus Fracture.
3
Bimalleolar Fracture
If the breaking of both the fibula and tibia bones occurs at their respective malleoli, affecting both the inner and outer sides of the ankle, we name it Bimalleolar Fracture. It is the second most common type of ankle fracture.
4
Trimalleolar Fracture
It is the most severe kind of ankle fracture, involving breaks to the fibula, tibia, and posterior side of the tibia, which makes up the ankle joint’s rear section.
5
Pilon fracture
This fracture affects the ankle joint’s weight-bearing area and happens near the lower end of the tibia. Usually, it is a higher-energy trauma brought on by a hard fall.
6
Maisonneuve Fracture
This kind of ankle fracture, which is less common, causes injury to the syndesmosis in addition to a twisting break in the top portion of the fibula bone. Ankle joint stability is aided by a collection of ligaments called syndesmosis.
Among all the types mentioned above, fractures can be classified into three categories. A non-displaced fracture is one in which the alignment of bones does not change; hence, it does not require surgery. Conversely, fragments of broken bones are needed in the second category of fracture, which is displaced fracture. For instance, surgery is often necessary for most of the ankle fractures with ankle dislocations. If broken bones penetrate the skin, then it is an open fracture or compound fracture. It requires immediate surgery to avoid infection and to ensure healing.
Treatment Approaches for Ankle Fracture
Ankle fracture Treatment in Lahore varies depending on factors like the severity and number of bones involved. Orthopedic surgeons commonly treat ankle fractures with a surgical method known as open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). During ORIF, our surgeon makes incisions to access the fractured bones, realign them, and then stabilize them using metal plates, screws, or wires.
How to Prepare for ORIF Surgery?
Our orthopedic doctor knows the importance of medical history and, therefore, will ask about your previous medical history on your first visit to our orthopedic clinic. If our doctor expects the possibility of an ankle fracture, he may require one or more imaging tests, such as X-rays or stress rays. In more severe cases, he will prefer to conduct CT scans or MRIs to analyze the ankle injury.
After diagnostic testing, the surgeon advises patients to fast for eight hours before the procedure, except under specific instructions. To maximize lung and heart function, we also recommend quitting smoking at least two weeks in advance. To reduce the possibility of interfering with the surgery, it is also crucial to stop taking herbal supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed. The appropriate treatment of pre-existing conditions during the pre-operative phase is ensured by consulting with healthcare specialists regarding the continuing use of specific blood pressure medications. These pre-operative measures enhance better results and safety during surgery.
The Surgery Day
During ankle bone fracture surgery , a series of steps are taken to restore the integrity of the injured ankle.
Stage I
Initially, our surgeon carefully makes an incisions to access the fractured ankle bones. This allows our surgical teams to visualize and manipulate the affected area directly.
Stage II
Our orthopaedic surgeon carefully aligns fractured bones properly and secures them. Then, he proceeds to the closing of incisions, usually using sutures or staples.
Stage III
Our ortho-surgeon diligently performs bone realignment to guarantee the necessary arrangement of the cracked bone fragments. After reduction, metal implants help to create internal fixation, which stabilizes the bones and speeds up recovery.
Stage IV
Lastly, he immobilizes the ankle with an anklet or cast to support and conceal it during the early phases of the healing process. The goal of this method is to give the ankle its normal function and stability.
Post-Surgery Protocols
It usually takes about 6 weeks for bones to heal. However, sometimes, it may take longer for ligaments or other soft tissues to heal. Post-surgery, patients usually avoid bearing weight for 4 to 6 weeks until the bone heals. Pain management protocols prioritize minimizing opioid medication use. Initially, patients wear a splint, elevating the limb for most of the day during the first couple of weeks. After 10 to 14 days, sutures are removed, and patients start moving their ankles. At the 6-week visit, X-rays are conducted to check bone health. If the bone shows good healing, patients can begin weight-bearing and physical therapy. The duration for therapy is typically six weeks or longer as necessary for full recovery.
Why Choose Us for Ankle Fracture Treatment?
Select our ankle fracture treatment in Lahore to regain your comfort and functionality. Our primary goal is to keep patients happy throughout their treatment journey. Additionally, the availability of helpful and polite staff to satisfy your questions or concerns is our key feature. We pledge that we will provide our patients with extraordinary care and will make sure they get the best treatment available for their ankle issues.
We also focus on the costs of treating ankle fractures in Lahore so that no one is prevented from receiving high-quality care due to a lack of funds. We provide accessible choices with a focus on quality care in order to produce the best results and long-term advantages that exceed the expense of treatment.
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FAQs
A sprain in the ankle happens when the ligaments are torn or stretched due to overuse or injury. While a sprained ankle can coexist with a broken ankle, the sprain itself does not cause the ankle to break.
A stress fracture involves a small crack in the bone and typically exhibits worsening pain over time. Conversely, a bone fracture alters the bone's shape.
To reduce fracture risks, consider the following precautions:
- Be more careful when walking on uneven surfaces.
- Remove clutter and obstacles in your home that may cause tripping accidents.
A stable ankle fracture involves minimal bone displacement, often resulting from low-energy injuries. It maintains relatively good alignment of the ankle joint, typically not requiring surgery for treatment.
An unstable ankle fracture features significant bone displacement, often from high-energy trauma, requiring surgery for realignment and stabilization.