Contents
Understanding Ankle Fracture Surgery: A Quick Guide
Published: Mar 06, 2024
Ankle fracture surgery is sometimes necessary for recovery. Here's what you need to know about the procedure and when it's needed.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
For unstable fractures or significant misalignment.
Open reduction with internal fixation using metal plates and screws.
Immobilization followed by rehabilitation to restore movement.
Surgical Insights
Surgery can be a crucial step in achieving full recovery from ankle fractures.
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. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?
