Ankle fracture surgery
Ankle Fracture Surgery Procedure: Medical Overview and Steps
Ankle fracture surgery is a procedure performed to repair broken bones in the ankle joint. Ankle fractures can involve the tibia, fibula, or both, and the severity of the fracture can vary. Surgery is often recommended when the fracture is displaced, unstable, or involves multiple bone fragments. The primary goals of surgery are to realign the bones, stabilize the joint, and promote proper healing.
Procedure Steps:
Preoperative Assessment: Before surgery, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation, including a review of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans) to assess the fracture’s type, location, and displacement.
Informed Consent: The patient is provided with information about the procedure, potential risks, benefits, and alternative treatments. Informed consent is obtained, ensuring the patient’s understanding and agreement.
Anesthesia: The patient is typically placed under general anesthesia, ensuring they are asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
Incision: The surgeon makes an incision over the fracture site to access the broken bones and surrounding tissues.
Fracture Reduction: The fractured bones are carefully realigned and repositioned to restore their normal alignment. This may involve manipulating the bone fragments or using specialized instruments.
Fixation: To stabilize the fracture and promote healing, the surgeon uses various fixation methods, such as:
- Screws: Metal screws are inserted into the bones to hold the fractured pieces together.
- Plates: Metal plates are placed on the bone surface and secured with screws to provide stability.
- Pins or Wires: Thin pins or wires may be used to hold bone fragments in place.
- External Fixator: In complex fractures, an external frame is applied externally to stabilize the bones.
Closure: The incision is closed using sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.
Immobilization: After surgery, the ankle is often immobilized using a cast, brace, or splint to protect the repaired bones during the initial healing phase.
Recovery and Rehabilitation: As the bones heal, weight-bearing restrictions and physical therapy exercises are gradually introduced to restore mobility, strength, and function to the ankle joint.
References:
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. (2021). Ankle Fractures. Retrieved from https://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/conditions/ailments-of-the-ankle/Pages/Ankle-Fractures.aspx
OrthoInfo. (2021). Ankle Fractures. Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/ankle-fractures/
Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. (2018). Treatment of Ankle Fractures. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/jorthotrauma/Fulltext/2018/09001/Treatment_of_Ankle_Fractures.1.aspx
Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine. (2020). Surgical Treatment of Ankle Fractures. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7430662/
International Orthopaedics. (2018). Treatment of Ankle Fractures in Adults. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00264-018-4183-7
Please note that the specifics of ankle fracture surgery may vary based on the type and severity of the fracture, as well as the surgeon’s approach. Always consult with qualified orthopedic surgeons and healthcare professionals for personalized advice and information regarding ankle fracture surgery procedures.
Below is some Orthopaedic surgeons that can assist with Ankle Fracture Surgery
Dr Chris Narramore
Orthopedic ankle & shoulder specialist
- Phone:+27 21 762 5228
- Email:[email protected]
Dr. Hooman Eshraghi
Orthopaedic surgeon
- Phone:+27 011 326 6009
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Trevor Parker
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Phone:+27 (0)21 946 2479
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Chris Gräbe
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Phone:012 348 5410/1
- Email:Email on Website form
Dr Chris McCready
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Phone:011 647 3571
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Gabriel Pirjol
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Phone:+27 31 202 5463
- Email:[email protected]
Dr Praven Reddy
Orthopaedic and Foot and ankle surgeon
- Phone:031 768 8128
- Email:[email protected]
Dr. Allan van Zyl
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Phone:+27 51 448 3051
- Email:[email protected]
Medical Aids that cover Ankle Fracture Surgery
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