What is the malleolus bone

You probably know the medial malleolus as the bump that protrudes on the inner side of your ankle. It’s actually not a separate bone, but the end of your larger leg bone — the tibia, or shinbone

Where is the malleolus bone?

The medial malleolus is the bony bump on the inner side of the ankle. This is the end of the shin bone (tibia) and forms the support for the inner side of the ankle joint. The medial malleolus is also the attachment of the major ligament on the inner side of the ankle, called the deltoid ligament.

How long does it take for a fractured malleolus to heal?

Healing:This normally takes approximately 6 weeks to heal.Pain and Swelling:The swelling is often worse at the end of the day and elevating it will help. Pain and swelling can be ongoing for 3-6 months. Take pain killers as prescribed.

Can you walk on a fractured lateral malleolus?

You may walk on the leg as much as pain allows, and if you have been given a boot you should gradually use it less and less over four to six weeks as the pain settles. Sometimes the pain may persist but if you are walking further each day this is not uncommon. Most injuries heal without any problems.

What is a malleolus fracture?

A lateral malleolus (muh-LEE-uh-lus) fracture is a type of broken ankle that happens when part of the fibula just above the ankle joint fractures.

How many malleolus are in the ankle?

“Bi” means two. “Bimalleolar” means that two of the three parts or malleoli of the ankle are broken. (Malleoli is plural for malleolus.) In most cases of bimalleolar fracture, the lateral malleolus and the medial malleolus are broken and the ankle is not stable.

Where is the posterior malleolus located?

The medial malleolus on the inner side of the ankle at the end of the tibia. The lateral malleolus on the outer side of the ankle at the end of the fibula. The posterior malleolus situated on the lower back side of the tibia.

Does lateral malleolus fracture require surgery?

Most lateral malleolus fractures are stable ankle fractures, where the ankle joint remains aligned and able to move normally. These type of fractures usually don’t require surgery.

How long does it take lateral malleolus to heal?

Healing:This normally takes approximately 6 weeks to heal.Pain and Swelling:The swelling is often worse at the end of the day and elevating it will help. Pain and swelling can be ongoing for 3-6 months. Take pain killers as prescribed.

Do I need a cast for a lateral malleolus fracture?

OVERVIEW: Lateral malleolar fractures are fractures that occur in the distal aspect of the fibula. They can be distal, at or proximal to the joint line of the ankle. CONSERVATIVE CARE: If non-displaced and stable, these fractures can be treated non-operatively with cast immobilization.

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How do you treat a malleolus fracture?

Less severe fractures will be treated by conservative (nonsurgical) treatment. You may be treated with a short leg cast or a removable brace. If there’s any damage to nerves or blood vessels, an orthopedic specialist will need to reset the damaged bones as soon as possible.

Can you walk with a medial malleolus fracture?

You may walk on the foot as comfort allows although you will find it easier to walk with crutches in the early stages. The swelling is often worse at the end of the day and elevating it will help.

What does the word malleolus mean?

/ məˈli əˌlaɪ/. Anatomy. the bony protuberance on either side of the ankle, at the lower end of the fibula or of the tibia.

Is the malleolus the ankle?

MalleolusTA21421, 1442Anatomical terms of bone

How much force does it take to break an ankle?

As a rough estimate, it would take 218 pounds of pressure to produce a tibial fracture in a healthy adult using a hammer. You could decrease the force requirement by choosing a tool with less surface area, such as a hatchet—then again, you’d be increasing the risk of soft tissue damage and significant blood loss.

How serious is a medial malleolus fracture?

Comminuted fractures of the medial malleolus are generally high-energy injuries that break the bone into multiple pieces. Comminuted medial malleolus fractures can be technically challenging injuries to treat given the limited surface area by which a surgeon can reconstruct the bone fragments.

Why does my posterior malleolus hurt?

Causes. Posterior tibial tendon injury can result from overuse of the tendon or from a specific incident such as a fall. Sudden injuries usually occur in athletes from a distinct injury, but may occur as an overuse injury in people with poor lower limb alignment.

What causes a posterior malleolus fracture?

Several mechanisms for posterior malleolar fracture have been proposed: avulsion by the posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament,[35–37] pressure from the externally rotating talus,[35,37] pressure from the lateral malleolar fragment, and axial loading from the talus.

What is the ball on the ankle called?

The most common fracture is to the bony bump on the outside of the ankle, the lateral malleolus. The lateral malleolus is the bottom of the fibula, the smaller lower leg bone. The bump on the inside of your ankle, the medial malleolus, is less commonly fractured.

What are the 7 bones in the ankle called?

The tarsal bones are 7 in number. They are named the calcaneus, talus, cuboid, navicular, and the medial, middle, and lateral cuneiforms.

Which bone is known as heel bone?

The calcaneus (heel bone) is the largest of the tarsal bones in the foot. It lies at the back of the foot (hindfoot) below the three bones that make up the ankle joint.

Why is my medial malleolus swollen?

Medial malleolar bursitis is caused by the inflammation or swelling of the bursa of the medial malleolus in the ankle. This bursa is located between the skin and the medial malleolus (the flattened end of the tibia that forms the prominence of the ankle, sometimes referred to as the ankle bone).

What causes swelling around the lateral malleolus?

Peroneal tendinitis is the inflammation of the peroneal tendons and usually occurs because these tendons are subject to overuse and excessive repetitive forces during standing and walking. This is a natural response the body has to injury and often causes pain, swelling, or irritation.

Why do the outside of my ankles hurt?

Ankle sprains are the most common cause of outer ankle pain. An ankle sprain will stretch or tear ligaments. Without proper healing the ligaments and tissues remain weak, resulting in ongoing instability and more ankle sprains.

How do you diagnose a lateral malleolus fracture?

Diagnosis of a lateral malleolus fracture An X-ray is usually required to confirm diagnosis and assess the severity of the fracture. Further investigations such as an MRI, CT scan or bone scan may be required, in some cases, to assist with diagnosis and assess the severity of the injury.

What is better a cast or a boot?

Less skin damage – skin underneath a cast can become raw and painful. The open-air design and lightweight material helps to prevent skin damage when wearing a walking boot. No loud saws used – walking boots can be removed without the use of loud saws.

Will my ankle ever be the same after a break?

If it’s a low-to-medium grade ligament injury or a stable bone fracture, then it’s highly likely that the ankle will be similar to before. With more severe ligaments and unstable fractures, there is always some difference in flexibility and appearance.

What is a fracture of the lateral malleolus?

May also be called: Lateral Malleolar Fracture. A lateral malleolus (muh-LEE-uh-lus) fracture is a type of broken ankle that happens when part of the fibula just above the ankle joint fractures.

What helps broken bones heal faster?

In particular, calcium, vitamin D and protein will be important during the bone healing process, so be sure you’re focusing on food sources rich in these nutrients, including dark, leafy greens, broccoli, fish, meat, yogurt, nuts and seeds.

How do you fix a posterior malleolus fracture?

Most posterior malleolus fractures can be approached using a posterolateral incision, being careful to identify and protect the sural nerve and its branches. A buttress plate or lag screw can be used to fix the fracture.

How do you treat a medial malleolus stress fracture?

Treatment of a malleolus stress fracture Treatment is basically resting from weight-bearing activities for around 6 weeks. An ankle brace or support may help protect and support the joint. If the injury progresses to a complete fracture then you will most likely need surgery.