How serious is a bimalleolar 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.
What is Bimalleolar?
“Bimalleolar” means that two of the three parts or malleoli of the ankle are broken. (Malleoli is plural for malleolus.) In most cases of bimalleolar fracture, the lateral malleolus and the medial malleolus are broken and the ankle is not stable.
What is the treatment for a bimalleolar fracture?
Surgery is the primary treatment of bimalleolar fracture because it is an unstable fracture.
How painful is a Bimalleolar ankle fracture?
Bimalleolar fractures can cause severe pain, swelling, and bruising in the injured ankle. They also can be tender to the touch and make walking or putting any weight on the affected foot very difficult and painful.
When can you walk after bimalleolar fracture?
It takes around six to 10 weeks to recover from a broken ankle. During this time, you will probably need to wear a cast or boot. Most people are able to walk normally again and resume their daily activities by around three months. Endurance will improve over time and as your strength improves.
How long does it take to recover from bimalleolar fracture?
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.
What causes a bimalleolar fracture?
The prefix “bi” means “two,” so a bimalleolar fracture is one that involves both the medial malleolus and the lateral malleolus. This type of fracture often happens as a result of the foot and ankle rolling inward, but it can also be caused by a trip or fall, or by a direct blow to the ankle.
Can a bimalleolar fracture heal without surgery?
Much more commonly they occur with a lateral malleolus fracture and are known as Bimalleolar Fractures. These injuries are inherently unstable and require surgical fixation. The lateral malleolus is treated with a plate and screws as usual. However, the medial malleolus is typically treated with screws alone.
Does bimalleolar fracture need surgery?
How long does bimalleolar fracture surgery take?
The operation usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Your surgeon will make one or more cuts to expose the broken bones on the inner and outer sides of your ankle. They will usually fix the fractures using screws and a plate, although sometimes they need to use other devices.
When can you walk after Bimalleolar fracture?
What causes a Bimalleolar fracture?
What does a bimalleolar fracture mean?
A bimalleolar (bi-MAL-ee-uh-lur) fracture is a type of broken ankle that happens when parts of both the tibia and fibula called the malleoli are fractured.
What’s the worst ankle fracture?
A trimalleolar ankle fracture is when your ankle breaks in three separate places. Only 7% of all ankle breaks are trimalleolar ankle fractures. They are rare, and they are among the worst kinds of ankle fractures.
How much is a bimalleolar fracture?
How Much is a Bimalleolar Fracture or Trimalleolar Fracture With Surgery Worth? Looking at a jury verdict search in New York, the full value of damages for a bimalleolar fracture with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgical repair is probably from $200,000 to $500,000 or more.
How long does a bimalleolar ankle fracture take to heal?
What is a Bimalleolar fracture of the ankle?
“Bimalleolar” means that two of the three parts or malleoli of the ankle are fractured. (Malleoli is plural for malleolus.) In most cases of bimalleolar fracture, the lateral malleolus and the medial malleolus are fractured and the ankle is not stable.
Can a Bimalleolar ankle fracture heal without surgery?
If the fracture is not out place and the ankle is stable, it can be treated without surgery. Treatment may be with a short leg cast or a removable brace. Patients are typically advised not to put any weight on the ankle for 6 weeks.
What is malleolus fracture?
The lateral malleolus is the bone on the outside of the fibula. A lateral malleolus fracture is a type of ankle fracture that occurs when the fibula fractures just above the ankle joint. It is the most common type of ankle fracture and may happen when the foot rolls or twists.
What is a bimalleolar fracture?
Bimalleolar fracture. A bimalleolar fracture is a fracture of the ankle that involves the lateral malleolus and the medial malleolus. Studies have shown that bimalleolar fractures are more common in women, people over 60 years of age, and patients with existing comorbidities.
How do you know if you have a bimalleolar fracture?
If there is pain or swelling on the inner side of the ankle, a bimalleolar ankle fracture may be present. Special x-rays, called stress x-rays, can be performed to look for signs of instability of the ankle joint. Another variant of this type of injury is called a trimalleolar ankle fracture.
What is the prognosis of bimalleolar fractures of the ankle?
According to some studies, patients with bimalleolar fractures had significantly worse function in the ankle one year after surgical treatment. After recovering fully from their fractures, the majority of patients experience little to mild pain and have few restrictions in functionality.
What is a bi fracture of the ankle?
The use of “bi” indicates a fracture in 2 bones. The fracture can be determined with an X-ray. However, the damage to the cartilage that lines the bones cannot be determined with an X-ray image. Individuals who experience such fractures are prone to arthritis at the ankle.