Prognosis

Thanks to modern surgical techniques and support shoes, the prognosis for this joint, which is nevertheless subject to a lot of stress and strain, is positive in most cases. However, this always depends very much on the cooperation of the patient. If load specifications and rest periods are not observed, there is a risk of complications and a delay in healing.

Equally important is active cooperation in the physiotherapeutic follow-up treatment. Regular, even independent practice is crucial for a stable final result. However, injuries with joint involvement are quite complicated and, even with good healing, can cause advanced problems in the joint in the course of life, which is discussed in the next point.

Late effects

Despite a positive healing process and full regained stability, late effects in the joint can still occur in the course of life. With advancing age, it is quite natural for the body to break down. Especially the joints often cause problems for older people.

Joints function by the smooth gliding of two bone ends on a mirror-smooth surface. After a lifetime of stress, joints tend to deteriorate, the eel-smooth surface gets cracked and leads to painful restriction of movement. A common ailment of older people. If the joint has already been injured in life, as in the case of our bimalleolar ankle fracture, this perfect construction is already pre-damaged and, even if it heals well later on, can promote the development of arthrosis.

The right load

The load on the foot after a bimalleolar ankle fracture is determined by the treating physician. It depends on the surgical method used. Here again, it is based on the wound healing phases described above, as well as on the pain.

In the first and second phase, only a small load of up to 10 kg is allowed in order to practice light rolling movements. After six weeks, fibers have formed which are stable enough to be adjusted to their future load. The pain decreases more and more and the load capacity increases. After about two months, the foot is ideally able to bear full weight again. After six months, the joint should be stable enough to be used as usual and to be able to participate in sports.