Will my fibular fracture heal properly?

Question

Hello doctor,

I broke the tip of the fibula during an ankle sprain. The broken part is bean-shaped. Will it heal properly? Will it cause any problems for me? I am on bed rest for ten days with a plaster on my ankle joint.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have seen the x-ray (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Yes, this is an avulsion fracture. This actually looks like an old fracture, as the margins are well-rounded. But no doubt that you have a small fracture in the fibula, and that bean-shaped bone and the soft tissue are swollen, and hence rest is justified. Do not expect the bean-shaped bone to heal.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I will recommend that if you are in full plaster and the leg is not swollen, then you could start bearing weight on the tip of the toes or the heel. Put more weight as much as the pain allows. Once the pain is gone, get rid of the cast and do ankle strengthening exercises. Ice the area and keep it raised to avoid swelling.

Thank you.