Ankle fractures, joint problems, and total ankle

Question 1

What are bimalleolar fractures?

Answer 1

fractures of medial and lateral malleoli

Question 2

What are trimalleolar fractures?

Answer 2

medial and lateral malleoli along with “3rd malleoli” which is posterior margin of the tibia

Question 3

When do they use a closed reduction of an ankle fracture?

Answer 3

• if fracture is nondisplaced
• cast or fracture boot (more common)
• initially NWB, progression based on healing

Question 4

What do you do if the pt had an ORIF for ankle fracture?

Answer 4

• pins and or screws
• initially NWB
• May be only in post surgical dressing for first couple of weeks then fracture boot

Question 5

How do you manage ankle fracture post immobliziation?

Answer 5

progressive ROM, strengthening, balance, proprioception, and agility

Question 6

What are joint problems that affect the ankle?

Answer 6

RA, OA, DJD, post immobilization siffness

Question 7

What are some examples of joint problems in ankle and foot?

Answer 7

Bunions:
-acute caremay gait train with appropriate AD.
-depending on pt age general health may or may not need PT assistance to regain normal strength ROM and normal gait
Hammer toes:
as above

Question 8

What are the indications of a total ankle?

Answer 8

• severe joint deterioration (RA, DJD)

- severe ROM limitations

Question 9

Describe management for a total ankle

Answer 9

-Immoblized often in 306 weeks the PWB then FWB
-Max protection: exercise other LE joints, muscle setting
-Mod-min protection:
progressive ROM,
progressive strengthening,
stationary bike,
return to function