ankle fractures Flashcards
where is the talus located?
in the mortise.
what makes up the mortise?
the tibial plafond, medial and lateral malleoli
what joints the fibula and tibia?
strong fibrous syndesmosis
how are ankle fractures classified?
Weber classification does it on anatomical location of fracture
Type A = fracture is below syndesmosis. Stable and patient is able to weight bear.
Type B = fracture at level of syndesmosis. 50/50. allow patient to weight bear and monitor closely.
Type C = fracture is above level of syndesmosis. Unstable, patient can’t weight bear, will need surgery.
what investigations are done for ankle fractures?
plain radiograph
check the joint space for uniformity and no evidence of talar shift.
CT can be used if uncertain.
how is an ankle fracture managed conservatively?
done in weber A and B
- fracture reduction timely
- manage open fracture accordingly
- below the knee back slap
how is an ankle fracture managed surgically?
open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
for
- open fracture
- weber C or B with talar shift
- bimalleolar or trimalleolar fracture
what are the complications of ankle fractures?
post traumatic arthiritis
ORIF carries risk of surgical site infection
what ligaments are injured in an ankle sprain?
- anterior tibiofibular ligament
- calcaneofibular ligament
Usually CFL is injured
how do ankle sprains present?
- inversion injury on plantarflexed ankle
- significant swelling and pain
what imaging can be done for ankle sprains?
Plain radiograph to exclude bony injury
how are ankle sprains managed?
conservatively
analgesia
ice
elevation
early mobilisation
