Ankle Fracture Orthopaedic An ankle fracture is a partial or complete break of one or more of the bones at the ankle joint.
How does this happens? • Twisting or rotating your ankle • Hit by heavy object • Impact from tripping or falling • Trauma during accident • Overuse (stress fracture) Diagnosis Your doctor will ask about the event happening and examine the affected limb to evaluate the extend of injury.
Following tests may be ordered, as necessary: • X-rays to look for exact location of bone fracture or displacement. • Stress test to see if certain ankle fractures require surgery • Computerised Tomography (CT) to assess cross-section image of the ankle • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) that provides higher resolution images of bone and ligaments Non-Surgical Treatment • Rest. Stay off the injured ankle. Walking may cause further injury. • Ice. Apply a bag of ice over a thin towel to the injured area for 20 minutes every hour. Do not put ice directly against the skin. • Compression. Apply an elastic bandage or wrap to control swelling.
• Elevation. Raise the injured foot slightly above the level of the hip to reduce swelling. • Immobilisation. Protecting and restricting the ankle and foot in a cast or splint to allow the bone to heal. Surgical Treatment • Surgery may be needed to repair the fracture and other soft tissue injuries, if necessary. • The surgeon will select a suitable surgical procedure for your injury.
Medications Your doctor may prescribe pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs to help relieve the pain. Antibiotics may be given to prevent infection. Rehabilitation Rehabilitation for ankle fracture will begin soon after the treatment. You will also taught to use various types of assistive aids e.g. crutches and walking frame that allow early movement.
Complications after Ankle Fracture Surgery • Damage to blood vessels, tendons, or nerves • Bleeding or blood clots • Infection • Difficulty with bone healing • Deformities of the ankle joint • Stiffness • Arthritis • Chronic pain
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
OS.PE.03.1117