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CareNotes System - Ankle Fracture (General Information)
Ankle Fracture
GENERAL INFORMATION:
What is an ankle fracture?
- An ankle fracture (FRAK-chur) is a condition where one or more of the ankle bones are damaged or broken. It is also called a broken ankle. The ankle joint is where the bones of the lower legs and foot meet. It is made up of the tibia, fibula, and talus bone. The tibia and the fibula are the two bones in the lower leg. The talus bone is the flat square bone at the top of the foot.
- An ankle joint is supported by ligaments, which are strong tissues that connect one bone to another. A break in any of the ankle bones may also cause a syndesmotic ligament injury. This injury occurs when the ligaments are torn or cut apart. The damaged ligaments may cause more problems and make the joint unstable. An ankle fracture usually happens in those who play sports and in people older than 65 years of age.
What causes an ankle fracture? An ankle fracture may be caused by any of the following:
- Accidents with a motor vehicle.
- Direct blow to the ankle, or landing badly on your ankle.
- Diseases such as osteogenesis imperfecta (bone development failure), and rheumatoid arthritis (swelling of the joints).
- Injuries from sports, such as basketball, soccer or football.
What are the signs and symptoms of an ankle fracture? An ankle fracture may cause pain, inflammation (swelling), and redness at your ankle. Your ankle may be warm to touch. You may have trouble moving your ankle or foot. You may not be able to put weight on the affected ankle and foot. You may have bleeding because of an open wound or a hematoma (swelling filled with blood). You may also see parts of the bone coming out from the skin on your ankle. The foot of the injured ankle may feel weak, achy or numb (loss of feeling).
How is an ankle fracture diagnosed? An ankle fracture may be diagnosed with any of the following:
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Arthrogram: An arthrogram is an x-ray that is taken after dye is injected into your affected joint. This test is used to view the structures of your joint such as muscles, ligaments, tendons and cartilage. The dye helps your caregiver see the structures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell the caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish or have other allergies or medical conditions.
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Bone scan: This is a test to look at your bones. You are given a small, safe amount of radioactive dye in an IV. Pictures are then taken of your bones. Caregivers can look at the pictures for broken bones, infections, or cancer in the bones.
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Computed tomography (CT) scan: A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your ankle. It may be used to look at bones, muscles, and blood vessels. You may be given dye before the pictures are taken. The dye is usually given in your IV. The dye may help your caregiver see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell your caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish, or have other allergies or medical conditions.
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Joint x-ray: This is a picture of the bones and tissues in your joints. Joints are the places in your body where two bones meet. You may be given dye as a shot into your joint before the x-ray. This dye will help your joint show up better on the x-ray. A joint x-ray with dye is called an arthrogram.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): During the MRI, pictures are taken of your ankle. An MRI may be used to look at the muscles, joints, bones, or blood vessels. You will need to lie still during an MRI. Never enter the MRI room with an oxygen tank, watch, or any other metal objects. This can cause serious injury.
How is an ankle fracture treated? You may have any of the following:
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Devices: These are special tools that may be used in mild ankle fractures to prevent further injury. It provides support to the joint and prevents movement to help bones heal. It may include a walking cast, splint, or a cast boot.
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Medicines: You may be given medicines to control pain. Antibiotic medicines may help prevent infection from germs. You may need to have a tetanus shot if there is an open wound. This is a shot of medicine to keep you from getting tetanus.
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Surgery: This is done for very bad broken ankles or if the ligaments are also damaged. Surgery helps put the bones and ligaments back in their proper position. This may include the use of special wires, pins, plates or screws. Ask your caregiver for more information about an internal or external fixation for an ankle fracture.
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Others: Your caregiver may do a closed reduction. This is for a broken bone that has no open wound and does not need screws, plates, pins, or wires to put them in place. Ask your caregiver for more information regarding closed reduction.
Where can I get more information? Having an ankle fracture may be hard. You and those close to you may feel angry, sad, or frightened. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Call or contact the following for more information:
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
6300 North River Road
Rosemont, IL 600184262
Phone: 1-847-8237186
Web Address: http://www.aaos.org/
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.
Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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