HomeAnswersOrthopedician and TraumatologyfracturesIs splinting the best treatment option for my ankle injury?

I got splint for ankle fracture. Is this the best treatment for my injury?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At February 6, 2017
Reviewed AtJanuary 17, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 48-year-old male. I had an X-ray of my right ankle. The technique used was three view exam. The findings are as follows: Spiral fracture of the distal fibula. This is anatomic in alignment. Cortical avulsion of the medial malleolar process. The cortex of the malleolus at the deltoid ligament attachment has been avulsed. There is a nondisplaced posterior tibial malar fracture. The talus appears to sit somewhat posterior in the ankle joint on the lateral view which could be a rotation. I believe there is an incidental fibrous cortical lesion on the lateral surface of the tibial shaft just above the ankle joint. Note that for thoroughness. A hard half splint was applied in ER and that same splint remains on after a visit with an orthopedic surgeon. I have a follow-up visit in a few days. My concern is, was this the best course of treatment for this injury? I was told that I could bear weight as tolerated but that is nearly impossible due to the amount of discomfort. This damage was caused by a fall. I have attached my X-rays here.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I believe that surgery for plating of the fibula would have been an option I would seriously consider (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You can still consider this option if another check x-ray shows that the talus is displaced when in a dorsiflexed position. Undisplaced fractures are managed non-surgically, but yours is minimally displaced with slight subluxation of the talus. You need to see subluxation of the talus when you take an ankle x-ray with the foot neutral position and not in plantar flexion.

Probable diagnosis

Minimally displaced bimalleolar fracture ankle.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sharoff Lokesh Mohan
Dr. Sharoff Lokesh Mohan

Orthopedician and Traumatology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Orthopedician and Traumatology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy