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The ankle joint is made up of 3 bones, the medial malleolus, lateral malleolus, and the talus bone. The lateral malleolus sits on the outside of the ankle joint and absorbs approximately 10% of your weight in standing. It is the most common of the ankle joints to fracture. Lateral Malleolus Fractures are generally stable fractures but traumatic events such as a fall or trip can lead to an unstable fracture.
In this article, we will discuss the most common types of Lateral Malleolus Fractures, conservative treatment, and surgical treatment.
This is a fracture at the ankle level of the lateral malleolus but may extend up the fibula. It can involve the ligaments attaching to the fibula and can be stable or unstable.
This is when a gap appears in the bone at the site of the fracture and these often require surgical repair
This is a type of fracture involving the growth plate and is common in children
This is where the ligament is pulled off the bone and in doing so it can pull some flakes or fragments of the bone off with it.
The syndesmosis attached the tibia and fibula together, this becomes torn or compromised with this type of fracture.
A consultation with a Physical Therapist, Podiatrist, or Sports Medicine Doctor is recommended if you have any of the symptoms of a Lateral Malleolus Fracture. A clinical interview of your symptoms alongside a clinical examination can often be sufficient to achieve a diagnosis for your therapist. A clinical examination will often involve a hop test and tap test.
This is normally followed by imaging to rule out other conditions and to confirm the diagnosis. An x-ray is the primary imaging model but if this returns as normal, a referral for an MRI or Ct Scan may be required. An ultrasound scan is rarely used for this type of injury.
A stable Lateral Malleolus Fracture is usually managed with 4-6 weeks in a walker boot. Historically a cast was used but the walker boot allows for greater function and equivalent healing response.
During this time period, Physical Therapy can begin to maintain the mobility of the surrounding tissues such as the Calf, Peroneal, and Posterior Tibialis muscles. Upon removal of the boot, rehabilitation can last for 4-6 further weeks. This involves strengthening and mobility exercises of the foot and ankle. Graded exposure to impact activities and return to play protocols if you wish to return to sport. Rehabilitation exercises are similar to that of a sprained ankle.
Taping and/or an ankle brace may be used when returning to activities that require a change of support, especially for those with unstable ankles. Surgery is not usually required for a stable fracture.
For unstable Lateral Malleolus Fractures or a malunion, surgery may be required. This is often an ORIF that can involve the use of metalwork such as a plate to provide stability to the broken bone. You may require the use of a walker boot after surgery and rehabilitation with a Physical Therapist can last for 6-12 weeks.
Post-operative complications include nerve damage if a nerve is cut during the procedure but these surgeries are generally very successful overall.
This is not medical advice. We recommend a consultation with a medical professional such as James McCormack. He offers Online Physiotherapy Appointments for £45.
Related Article: Lateral Malleolus Fracture FAQ’s