The upper ankle depends on the connection between three bones: the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. Severe trauma (either from falling from a height, car accidents, construction accidents, or common high-impact events) can shatter the lower end of the tibia and fibula—leading to a fracture of the malleolus.
To understand these injuries, you’ll need to understand some terms:
- Malleolus – the hammer-shaped bony protrusion on the inside and outside of the ankle.
- Lateral malleolus – the outer bone bump on your ankle (lower end of the fibula).
- Medial malleolus – the inner bone bump on your ankle (lower end of the tibia).
- Posteriormalleolus – the bony protrusion on the back of your ankle.
Bimalleolar fractures occur when the lateral and medial malleolus are fractured. Trimalleolar fractures involve the same injury with the additional fracture at the posterior malleolus (also known as the distal posterior aspect of the tibia), threatening the integrity of the joint and creating damaged ligaments. The trauma necessary for this sort of fracture can cause a host of injuries to the joint’s stability.
Fractures of this type require surgery to correct in an operation known as an “open reduction internal fixation.” Essentially, surgeons open up the ankle to surgically re-position the bones into their correct places—often holding them with pins and screws. Surgical repair means the ankle cannot be used at all during the healing time, which is around 6-12 weeks. If all goes well, your ankle should eventually be fully functional (however, studies suggest that full healing can take up to a year or more).
If an Accident Caused Your Injuries, Call 800-874-2577
Please contact Trial Pro as soon as possible after your injury. The days immediately following your accident are crucial, but we will take the necessary steps to protect your rights. We take each case on a contingent basis, meaning that we do not receive any payment unless your case is successful.
Our friendly, sympathetic Orlando bone fracture attorneys will walk you through every step of the process, helping you stay informed and feel confident about your case. Our injury attorneys are knowledgeable and experienced regarding ankle fractures and similar injuries, and we are familiar with the costs of future medical treatment.
Our goal with each case is to ensure our client receives every penny they are entitled to, as well as holding the at-fault party fully accountable for their actions. Call 800-874-2577 right now to speak with a Orlando broken bone attorney at Trial Pro.
