Ankle Fractures

Osteosynthesis is a surgical procedure indicated in various situations, including:

• Displaced Fractures: When bone fragments are out of alignment and need to be realigned.
• Complete Fractures: Fractures that extend completely through the bone and require stabilization for proper healing.
• Unstable Fractures: Injuries that cannot be maintained stable with conservative treatment, such as casts or splints.

Symptoms that may lead to the decision to perform osteosynthesis include:

• Intense Pain: Sharp and intense pain in the ankle, especially when trying to move it or put weight on it.
• Swelling and Deformity: Significant swelling and, in some cases, visible deformity in the ankle area.
• Walking Difficulty: Inability to bear weight on the foot due to pain and instability.

The procedure generally involves the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: Patient receives general or regional anesthesia, depending on fracture complexity and patient health.
2. Incision: An incision is made in the skin over the fracture to expose affected bones.
3. Fracture Reduction: The surgeon aligns bone fragments to restore normal ankle anatomy.
4. Fixation: The surgeon uses plates, screws, or other fixation devices to stabilize the fracture. Choice of material depends on fracture location and severity.

Recovery after osteosynthesis may include:

• Rest and Immobilization: Patient must rest the foot and, in many cases, use an immobilization boot to protect the area during healing.
• Pain Control: Use of painkillers is common to manage post-operative pain.
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapist may recommend exercises to restore strength, mobility, and ankle function, typically starting a few weeks after surgery.
• Medical Follow-up: Regular consultations to monitor recovery and evaluate bone healing.