Symptoms of an external malleolus fracture

For the doctor, the classic picture of an external malleolus fracture looks like this:

  • swelling
  • Hematoma discoloration (Bruise)
  • Pain
  • Misalignment
  • Function restriction (Functio laesa)

You can also find out more at: Outer ankle pain

Depending on the extent of the fracture and accompanying injuries, the above Signs of the disease (symptoms) of the lateral malleolus fracture in various forms and locations.

When the doctor is reached, the injured foot is unable to bear weight. Any attempt to put weight on the foot is associated with pain. The upper ankle is swollen and hematoma-discolored from the hemorrhage caused by the accident. The swelling significantly reduces mobility in the ankle. Sometimes the mobility test reveals a bone rub (Crepitations) provoke. Together with a marked malalignment of the ankle joint and open fractures, crepes are certain symptoms of the presence of an external ankle fracture.

During the examination, it must never be forgotten to look for accompanying blood vessels and nerve injuries in order to avoid consequential damage and, in case of doubt, to distinguish between causal and therapeutic (iatrogenice.g. to distinguish complications caused by the following operation).

You should also always look for further consequences of injuries. This includes:

  • External ligament injuries (frequent injury): If the x-ray does not show any osseous consequences of injury, an external ligament tear may be present. Three outer ligaments stabilize the ankle joint in the area of ​​the outer ankle and prevent twisting. You get hurt very often. During the clinical examination, increased lateral opening of the ankle joint or an ankle bone advance can be provoked in the event of an injury. X-rays taken of the ankle joint, in which, under standardized conditions, an increased ankle joint opening and ankle advancement can be examined, are only rarely performed.
    therapy
    Conservative therapy is almost always successful here. A padded, ankle-stabilizing air-cushion splint is prescribed (Aircast rail) over 6 weeks. A stable scar usually forms. If the ankle instability remains with frequent twisting injuries, an external ligament can be performed at a later time.
  • Isolated syndesmosis injuries (often overlooked injuries): An intact syndesmosis is essential for undisturbed function of the ankle joint. Isolated syndesmotic ruptures or insufficiencies are possible, albeit rare. The syndesmosis is usually injured as part of a fracture of the outer ankle. The ankle ligament near the ankle joint between the tibia and fibula is called syndesmosis of the ankle. It is responsible for stabilizing the talar fork. If the syndesmosis tears or if it partially loses its function due to overstretching / partial tearing, the ankle joint fork is unstable. The consequence is a divergence of the tibia and fibula when the foot is loaded. Stress pain and damage to the joint cartilage are the consequences. The dynamic X-ray examination under the image converter is suitable for diagnosing a syndesmosis injury. A syndesmosis injury can also be diagnosed using computed tomography or MRI.
    therapy
    Surgical therapy is necessary here. The ankle joint fork is temporarily set using 2 adjusting screws through the calves and shins (in the meantime) stabilized. The adjusting screws can be removed after 6 weeks, during which there must be no weight on the leg.
  • Injuries to the hindfoot (rare): broken ankle bone and calcaneus fractures cause a different mechanism of injury.
    Therapy almost always surgical.
  • Injuries to the tarsus: (rarely) fractures or dislocations of the tarsal bones.
    Therapy almost always surgical.

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Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)

Athletes (joggers, soccer players, etc.) are particularly often affected by diseases of the foot. In some cases, the cause of the foot discomfort cannot be identified at first.
Therefore, the treatment of the foot (e.g. Achilles tendonitis, heel spurs, etc.) requires a lot of experience.
I focus on a wide variety of foot diseases.
The aim of every treatment is treatment without surgery with a complete recovery of performance.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

You can find me in:

  • Lumedis - your orthopedic surgeon
    Kaiserstrasse 14
    60311 Frankfurt am Main

Directly to the online appointment arrangement
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
Further information about myself can be found at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert

  • Injuries to the metatarsus: A common result of injuries is a base fracture of the 5th metatarsal. Pain can be triggered especially on the outer edge of the foot.
    therapy
    Surgical for displaced fractures, conservative in a plaster cast for unshifted fractures for 6 weeks.
  • Maisonneuve fracture: Combined injury of bony or ligament structural injury at the level of the inner ankle and fibula fracture near the knee (Fibular fracture) with complete rupture of the tibia and fibula connection (Membrana interossea).
    Therapy: always operative.