Complex Ankle Fractures

What are complex ankle fractures?

Complex ankle fractures involve breaks in more than one bone in the ankle joint or severe damage to the surrounding ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. These fractures often occur from high-impact injuries, such as car accidents, falls from significant heights, or sports-related trauma. The ankle is a vital joint that connects the foot to the leg, and any fracture can significantly impair mobility and stability. In complex cases, the fractures may be displaced (misaligned), involve multiple fractures, or be accompanied by dislocations, making treatment more challenging.

 

Complex ankle fracture symptoms

Symptoms of complex ankle fractures often appear immediately after injury and may include:

  • Severe pain: Sharp pain in the ankle area that intensifies with movement.
  • Swelling and bruising: Significant swelling and discolouration around the ankle and foot.
  • Deformity: The ankle may appear misaligned or out of place, indicating a more severe fracture.
  • Inability to bear weight: Walking or standing on the injured ankle is often impossible due to the pain and instability.
  • Numbness or tingling: Damage to nerves around the ankle may cause tingling or loss of sensation.
  • Open fractures: In severe cases, the bone may break through the skin, requiring immediate medical attention.

 

How does Dr Abramson treat complex ankle fractures?

Dr Michael Abramson treats complex ankle fractures using a comprehensive approach that begins with an accurate diagnosis through imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the severity of the injury. In most cases, surgery is necessary to restore proper alignment and stability. Dr Abramson typically performs open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), a procedure in which he realigns the fractured bones and secures them with plates, screws, or pins to ensure they heal correctly. If the fracture is accompanied by ligament or tendon damage, he also repairs these soft tissues during the surgery.

Following the procedure, Dr Abramson develops a customized rehabilitation plan that incorporates physical therapy to help restore strength and mobility in the ankle. He closely monitors each patient’s recovery to reduce the risk of complications and ensure optimal healing. Ongoing follow-up care is frequently required to ensure complete recovery and to address any persistent issues, such as pain or stiffness. Through his expertise in both surgical and post-operative care, Dr Abramson ensures that his patients achieve the best possible outcome after a complex ankle fracture.

FAQ’s

How are complex ankle fractures diagnosed?
Dr Abramson uses a combination of physical examination and advanced imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans, to assess the extent of the injury. These diagnostic tools help determine the specific bones involved and the severity of the fracture.
How do complex ankle fractures differ from simple fractures?
Complex ankle fractures involve multiple bones, such as the tibia, fibula, and talus, and may include damage to surrounding ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues ( and cartilage). They often result in joint instability, deformity, and sometimes open wounds. In contrast, simple fractures involve a single break in one bone and usually have less damage to the surrounding tissue.
How long is the recovery process after surgery?
Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the complexity of the surgery. Most patients can begin light weight-bearing activities after a few weeks, ( 6 weeks) with full recovery typically taking several months. Dr Abramson works closely with each patient to develop a personalized rehabilitation plan.