Ankle Injuries

Ankle treatments range from treating ankle fractures to ankle arthroscopy to Achilles tendon ruptures. We offer treatment at Rochester, MI or Shelby Township, MI for all of the following issues:

Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures are some of the most common fractures that occur.  Often from a significant twisting injury to the ankle, but can also occur with direct trauma to the ankle.  It is important to treat ankle fractures properly to not only allow the fracture to heal correctly, but prevent future issues such as ankle arthritis.

Cause

The cause of an ankle fracture is typically from a twisting injury to the foot and ankle or from a trauma like a car accident or a fall.

Anatomy

The ankle is made up of the lateral malleolus (bone on the outside from the fibula), medial malleolus (bump on the inside from the tibia), and together with the distal end of the tibia and the talus, make up the ankle joint.  The lateral malleolus or fibula is the most commonly fractured bone in the ankle.  The stability of an ankle fracture depends on the number of fractured bones as well as the integrity of the ligaments in the ankle.

Imaging

X-rays are used to diagnose a fracture and often times a stress x-ray will be obtained to evaluate the stability and integrity of the ligaments of the ankle.

Treatment

The stability of the ankle will determine treatment.  If the fracture is isolated to the fibula and the ligaments on the medial side (inside portion) of the ankle are intact, surgical is not typically required.  If the medial ligaments are completely disrupted or there is also a fracture of the medial malleolus (inside part of the ankle), then surgery is often required to stabilize the ankle and allow the fracture to heal and help prevent further issues such as arthritis in the future.  Surgery to stabilize the ankle typically requires 1 to 2 incisions in which a metal plate and screws are used to fix the fracture.

Recovery

Bone typically takes about 6 weeks to completely heal.  It will be important to discuss the stability of your fracture as this determines if you can put weight on you foot or not.  After the bone heals, it is important to regain range of motion and strength and slowly return to active activities.

Achilles Tendon Ruptures

 

Cause

 

Anatomy

 

Imaging

 

Treatment

Recovery

 

Ankle Arthroscopy

 

Cause

 

Anatomy

 

Imaging

 

Treatment

Recovery

 

Severe Ankle Sprains

Cause

Anatomy

Imaging

Treatment

Recovery

Rochester

1135 W. University Drive

Suite 450

248-650-2400

Shelby Township

13350 24 Mile Road

Suite 700

586-254-2777