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Can a displaced ankle fracture heal without surgery?
If the fracture is not out place and the ankle is stable, it can be treated without surgery. Treatment may be with a short leg cast or a removable brace. Patients are typically advised not to put any weight on the ankle for 6 weeks.
How do you fix a lateral malleolus fracture?
If the broken bone is not out of place and the ankle is stable, treatment may consist of just wearing a special boot or cast to immobilize the ankle as it heals. In some cases, though, surgery has to be performed to align the bone and hold it together with metal plates, rods, or screws.
What is a displaced fracture of the ankle?
Nondisplaced vs. Nondisplaced – Bones are broken but still in correct position and alignment. Displaced – Fractured portions of bone are separated or misaligned. The treatment will be based on fracture alignment and stability of the ankle.
How long does it take for a lateral malleolus fracture to heal?
Lateral malleolus avulsion fracture
Healing: | This normally takes approximately 6 weeks to heal. |
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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. |
Do I need a cast for a lateral malleolus fracture?
OVERVIEW: Lateral malleolar fractures are fractures that occur in the distal aspect of the fibula. They can be distal, at or proximal to the joint line of the ankle. CONSERVATIVE CARE: If non-displaced and stable, these fractures can be treated non-operatively with cast immobilization.
Can I walk on a lateral malleolus fracture?
You may walk on the leg as much as pain allows, and if you have been given a boot you should gradually use it less and less over four to six weeks as the pain settles. Sometimes the pain may persist but if you are walking further each day this is not uncommon. Most injuries heal without any problems.
Do you need surgery for lateral malleolus fracture?
Lateral Malleolus Fracture Treatment. Healing Time. A surgery may not be required if the ankle is still stable and no bone has been displaced. Weight bearing on the injured ankle may be advised to be avoided and it should be protected while it is healing.
How long does it take to recover from a malleolus fracture?
Lateral Malleolus Fractures Recovery Time Although many people go back to normal daily activities, except for sports, within 3 to 4 months, research studies have actually revealed that individuals can still be recuperating approximately 2 years after their ankle fractures.
Does a separated lateral malleolus fracture cause arthritis?
For that reason, if the bone heals in a position where the ankle is not operating properly, the ankle is most likely to establish early ankle arthritis. Fortunately is that separated lateral malleolus fractures are usually stable ankle fractures and for that reason do not have this issue.
What is lateral malleolar displacement of the ankle?
Lateral Malleolar. Studies have shown a fibular fracture displaced by 1 mm can decrease the contact area of the ankle joint by 42\%. If there is a small avulsion fracture off the tip of the fibula, these can often be treated by weightbearing cast immobilization followed by Cam Walker and physical therapy.