Ankle Fracture

The ankle joint consists of three bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus, which are connected together. The inner and outer malleolus are the bony protrusions of the ankle joint formed by the ends of the tibia and fibula. The joint is protected by a joint capsule and synovial fluid allows smooth movement. Ankle injuries are common among athletes and physical laborers, causing pain and mobility issues. Pain after an injury can result from an ankle sprain, a torn ligament, or an ankle fracture, a break in one or more bones forming the ankle joint. The ankle joint is supported by ligaments and soft tissues which can also be injured during a fracture.

Need to know

What happens during surgery?

During surgery, a patient is typically under anaesthesia and is unconscious or sedated to prevent pain and discomfort. The surgical procedure involves making incisions in the body and manipulating tissues and organs as necessary to address the medical issue at hand. Surgeons use a variety of specialized tools and equipment to perform the surgery, such as scalpels, forceps, and lasers. In some cases, minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy or robotic surgery may be used to reduce the size of incisions and speed up recovery time. Throughout the surgery, the patient’s vital signs and condition are closely monitored by a team of healthcare professionals, including an anaesthesiologist, surgical nurses, and other support staff.

How to prepare?

To ensure a smooth and successful surgery and recovery, it is essential to:

• Adhere to preoperative instructions: Make sure to follow any preoperative instructions provided by your doctor, including fasting for a specific period before the surgery.
• Seek clarification: Do not hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have about the surgery or the recovery process.
• Arrange for assistance: You may need assistance with daily tasks after surgery, so it is advisable to arrange for help from family or friends before the surgery.
• Get your home ready: Ensure that your home is clean and organized to minimize the possibility of accidents or falls. If necessary, consider installing handrails or ramps.
• By following these steps, you can increase the likelihood of a successful surgical outcome and a faster recovery.

After Ankle surgery?

After your hip replacement surgery, you will be hospitalized for a few days under the care of our medical team. Our physiotherapy team will encourage you to stand and walk with the help of crutches and provide you with exercises to strengthen your hip and legs.

When you return home, you will need to use crutches, a walker, or walking sticks for a few weeks. Your consultant will advise you on when you can resume your daily routine, including work or exercise. Recovery time varies for each patient, depending on several factors such as age, fitness level, and the condition of the joint and surrounding muscles.

Patients often have questions regarding driving and returning to work, both of which are possible within six weeks of the operation, depending on how well the incision heals. With hip replacement surgeries now using smaller incisions that are covered with a dressing, it is important to avoid swimming or taking baths to minimize the risk of infection.