Millions of people suffer from a broken ankle or fracture in and out of Singapore. Fractures and breaks mostly happen in the talus, sometimes known as the “ankle bone”. It is what links your leg to your foot.
The most common cause of a broken ankle is rotational injury. Ankle fractures can happen when the ankle becomes twisted, rotated, or rolled while walking or running, such as during sports activity. However, it can also be due to a high-force impact like a fall.
Most ankle fractures are due to stress on the ankles. It develops after a person undertakes a new activity that requires substantial foot impact. Activities like hiking, jogging, or field sports are some of the most common activities people with stress fractures do. They can also develop into an active individual who increases their activity rapidly.
Types of Ankle Fracture
Ankle fractures range from minor fractures to complicated breaks involving many bones. Many patients who have fractured their ankle do not have an x-ray for many days or weeks. It might complicate the healing process. It is critical to visit a foot and ankle specialist at a reputable Singapore clinic or hospital to address the following injuries.
#1 Lateral Malleolus
Lateral Malleolus fractures happen solely in the fibula. The base of your fibula forms the bony bulge on the outside of your ankle. It can be fractured if you aggressively twist your ankle and fall on it. Ankle fractures of this sort are the most prevalent cases a foot and ankle specialist in and out of Singapore can address.
Three strong fibrous ligaments connect the fibula (calf bone) to the outside of the ankle. The ligaments stretch and strain when you abruptly turn over or twist your ankle. Stress can induce a fibula fracture or even pull a chunk of bone away (avulsion fracture). These fractures frequently need surgery to restore the joint.
#2 Bimalleolar
Bimalleolar fractures are the second most common type of ankle fracture patients in Singapore and worldwide can develop. The fracture is frequently due to high-impact traumas, such as falls or car accidents. In addition to the power of contact, the ankle is often subject to severe rotational force and causes significant ligament injury.
#3 Trimalleolar
Trimalleolar fractures are the most significant ankle fracture type patients in Singapore and worldwide can suffer. It often comes with a dismal prognosis. The rear of the tibia or shin bone also breaks off in these fractures. They are the consequence of a high-energy collision, like bimalleolar ankle fractures.
#4 Pilon
Pilon fractures are injuries that occur solely in the tibia. The tibia or shin bone might break in one location or shatter in several places. High energy impact, such as a vehicle collision or a fall from a great height, causes trimalleolar and tibia-only fractures.
It is best to immediately have this ankle fracture checked at a Singapore clinic or hospital. It should be x-rayed and generally require a cast to stabilise the joint while the bone heals.
#5 Maisonneuve
Most Maisonneuve fractures are misdiagnosed as an ankle sprain since an x-ray of the ankle can reveal no break in the bone. It is critical to visit a reputable foot and ankle specialist in a reputable Singapore clinic or hospital to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
The force from an ankle injury might cause the fibula to fracture further up near your knee. If this occurs, you may require surgery to heal the break in your fibula and the ligaments in your ankle. Maisonneuve is commonly due to rolling over or twisting the ankle.
Recovery from Ankle Fracture
It takes at least six weeks for the shattered bones to heal, and the affected ligaments and tendons may take longer. Your doctor will most likely use x-rays to monitor the bone healing process. If you do not decide on surgery, this is usually done more often within the first six weeks. Your foot and ankle specialist in Singapore will make you abide by these four aspects of the recovery process.
#1 Managing Pain
Pain is a common component of the healing process following an accident or surgery. Doctors administer medications for temporary pain management following surgery or an accident with opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and local anaesthetics. Consult your foot and ankle specialist at the Singapore clinic about which medications you should take.
#2 Weightbearing
It is best not to put any weight on your wounded ankle until your doctor says you can. If you put weight on the fracture pieces too soon, they may migrate, or the operation may fail, and you will have to start over. It is best to wait until the foot and ankle specialist at the Singapore clinic or hospital says your injury is stable enough to begin putting weight on them.
#3 Ankle Supports
It is typical to have various items to wear on an injured ankle. Most ankle fractures are treated with a splint to preserve the ankle and reduce swelling. Following that, you may be wearing a cast or removable brace. Your foot and ankle specialist at the Singapore clinic or hospital may advise you to wear an ankle brace for many months while participating in sports.
#4 Ankle Rehabilitation
Physical therapy and home exercise regimens are critical when your doctor authorises you to start moving your ankle. It may take many months for the muscles around your ankle to strengthen for you to walk without a limp and resume your normal activities. You can ask your foot and ankle specialist for PT recommendations in Singapore.
Consult with a Specialist in Singapore
Visit a professional for orthopaedic treatment in Singapore for your bone and foot issues. They are a premier orthopaedic clinic with top bone injury experts.
Dr Kannan Kaliyaperumal is a Singapore-based orthopaedic doctor, ankle specialist, and subspecialist in lower limb problems and surgical therapy. Before joining the private sector, he was a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s (TTSH) Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. He has published articles in international peer-reviewed journals, sharing his experience as a Singapore orthopaedic surgeon and ankle specialist to a worldwide audience.
The clinic also addresses flat feet and other issues for Singapore patients. Visit the Specialist Orthopaedic Centre website for inquiries or more information.
