How long does a Bimalleolar fracture take to heal?
Bimalleolar fractures make the ankle unstable and typically require surgery to implant metal plates, screws, and rods to keep the bones aligned. Following surgery, the ankle is usually put in a short leg cast. In general, it takes at least 6 weeks for the broken malleoli to heal.
When can you walk after bimalleolar fracture?
A bimalleolar fracture usually requires someone to keep weight off the affected foot for at least 6 weeks, but in most cases, people return to normal daily activities within 3 to 4 months. It takes at least 6 weeks for the broken bones to heal.
What is the difference between a fracture and a broken ankle?
The terms are actually interchangeable and both refer to a bone that has been shattered, often by excessive force. Your doctor may be more likely to use the term fracture. To be frank, the term fracture is more “professional” sounding. To say break would still be correct but more colloquial.
How serious is a Bimalleolar ankle fracture?
Most bimalleolar and trimalleolar ankle fractures are serious injuries. They often occur from high energy injuries such as falls and motor vehicle collisions. In addition to the force of impact, there is often a significant force of rotation on the ankle seen in sports injuries and serious falls.
How long does an ankle fracture take to heal?
Ankle fractures can take a long time to heal. Recovery depends on how much damage was done when you fractured your ankle. Most people can put weight on their ankle within 16 weeks after surgery. But it can take as long as two years for an ankle fracture to heal completely.
Do all Bimalleolar fractures need surgery?
There are different types of ankle fractures that can occur, and one of the more serious types is called a bimalleolar ankle fracture–an injury to both the inner and outer side of the ankle. Bimalleolar ankle fractures almost always require surgical treatment.
What is malleolar?
Medical Definition of malleolus : an expanded projection or process at the distal end of the fibula or tibia at the level of the ankle: a : the expanded lower end of the fibula situated on the lateral side of the leg at the ankle. — called also external malleolus, lateral malleolus.
Does a fracture of the medial malleolus always require surgery?
Your doctor will consider all aspects of an ankle fracture when deciding whether to recommend surgery or not. Not all medial malleolar fractures require surgery. The bone will heal with or without surgery in around six to eight weeks. The purpose of surgery is to stabilize the bone in its proper position while the bone is healing.
What to do after an ankle fracture?
Medications. Your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever,such as acetaminophen (Tylenol,others).
What are the symptoms of an ankle fracture?
Symptoms. If you have a fractured ankle, your symptoms probably will include: Pain, swelling, tenderness and bruising at your ankle joint. Inability to move your ankle through its normal range of motion. Inability to bear weight on your injured ankle — However, if you can bear weight on the ankle, don’t assume there is no fracture.
Why is my lateral malleolus swollen?
Ankle pain which may difficult to pinpoint but somewhere just in front of the bony bit or lateral malleolus on the outside of the ankle.