Understanding Ankle Fracture Surgery: A Quick Guide
Understanding Ankle Fracture Surgery: A Quick Guide
What's Involved?
Ankle fracture surgery is sometimes necessary for recovery. Here's what you need to know about the procedure and when it's needed.
Contents
- When is Surgery Necessary?
- The Surgical Process
- Post-Surgery Recovery
When is Surgery Necessary?
Surgery is required for unstable ankle fractures, which involve multiple fracture sites or significant misalignment. The goal is to restore joint congruency and stability to enable proper healing and prevent future issues like arthritis.
The Surgical Process
The most common surgical procedure for ankle fractures is open reduction with internal fixation, where metal plates and screws are used to hold the bones together. This helps ensure that the bones heal in the correct position, providing a stable foundation for the joint.
Post-Surgery Recovery
Recovery involves immobilization followed by rehabilitation to restore movement and strength. Patients are often advised to avoid putting weight on the affected ankle initially and gradually increase activity as healing progresses.
FAQs
When is ankle fracture surgery needed?
For unstable fractures or significant misalignment.
What does the surgery involve?
Open reduction with internal fixation using metal plates and screws.
What is the recovery process like?
Immobilization followed by rehabilitation to restore movement.
Surgical Insights
Surgery can be a crucial step in achieving full recovery from ankle fractures.
Additional References
- Donken CC, Al-Khateeb H, Verhofstad MH, van Laarhoven CJ. Surgical versus conservative interventions for treating ankle fractures in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2012; :CD008470.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.