ankle fractures
Definition of Ankle Fractures
The ankle fracture occurs during a fall or twisting movement. It can concern the internal malleolus, the external malleolus or both malleolus. The clinical signs are significant pain and swelling. X-ray confirms the clinical diagnosis.
Orthopedic treatment of ankle fractures
The indication for orthopedic treatment of ankle fracture is absence of displacement and stability of the fracture. An immobilization in the form of a resin boot is made. Weight-bearing is prohibited for a month and a half. After consolidation, the boot is removed, weight-bearing is resumed. Rehabilitation to regain mobility of the ankle has begun.
Surgical alternatives for ankle fractures
All the interventions below take place in the operating room in the orthopedic room under strictly aseptic conditions. The patient benefited from the usual skin preparation in the room before being taken to the operating room. The patient is installed on the operating table. After the usual skin preparation in the operating room, the sterile drapes are placed. Depending on the location, complexity and type of fracture, the therapeutic method will be different.
Osteosynthesis with pins
This surgical method, the least invasive, will be chosen each time reduction by external maneuver is satisfactory, the pins serving to maintain the reduction. It can also be chosen when the poor skin condition contraindicates any surgical incision. Once the reduction of the fracture has been obtained under radioscopic control, the surgeon places one or more pins percutaneously.
Screw osteosynthesis
The incision is made opposite the fracture in order to visualize it. The surgeon reduces the fracture and places one or more screws.
Plate and screw osteosynthesis
The incision is made opposite the fracture in order to visualize it. The surgeon reduces the fracture, places the plate and fixes it with several screws.
Operative follow-up for ankle fractures
A resin boot (or splint) is made to prevent ankle movement. Weight bearing is prohibited postoperatively for a month and a half. A preventive anticoagulant treatment is instituted during this period. After consolidation, the immobilization is removed, weight bearing is resumed. Rehabilitation to regain mobility of the ankle is started. The osteosynthesis material is removed between 1 month and a half and 12 months after the intervention depending on the type of material used for the osteosynthesis.