Healing/Duration
As a rule, ankle fractures heal completely after some time and stress on the foot is possible without restriction. However, since bones heal quite slowly, the period until complete healing can be relatively long. With conservative therapy, the joint must be fixed and no load must be placed on the foot.
This is usually ensured by applying a plaster cast. This usually remains on the foot for about 6 weeks until it can be removed. Surgery takes place shortly after the injury and fixes the bone by directly attaching screws, wires and plates.
Even after surgery, the foot must not be subjected to any load: crutches should be used. After a few weeks, partial weight-bearing on the foot and thus on the ankle joint can take place. This is the case after about 6 weeks if the healing process is normal.
When full weight bearing can take place depends on the success of the therapy and the course of healing. Full weight bearing is possible between 2 and 6 months. In some cases, the healing period can last up to a year until all symptoms have completely disappeared. If the structures of the ankle joint and the surrounding soft tissues have been severely damaged, a lifelong impairment of stability in the ankle joint can remain.
Diagnosis
A reliable diagnosis of an ankle fracture can be made by using imaging diagnostics. The standard examination method for suspected ankle fractures is X-ray imaging of the joint in two planes. Two x-rays are taken to show the injured structures in such a way that an assessment of the injury can be made. Depending on the extent and location of the injury, the ankle fracture can be classified and treated on the basis of the X-rays. In the case of complicated injuries, sometimes comprehensive images are produced using a computer tomograph.
Weber classification
It is important to avoid twisting the foot in order to prevent an ankle fracture. This can be achieved in particular by using the right footwear for endangered sports. The prevention of unforeseeable accidents is difficult, which is why no recommendation can be given for the prevention of these injuries.
