Displaced Fracture of Medial Malleolus: Symptoms, Treatment
A displaced fracture of the medial malleolus of the tibia is a condition where the bony prominence on the inner side of the ankle, called the medial malleolus, becomes fractured and displaced from its normal position. This type of fracture typically occurs due to a direct impact or a twisting force on the ankle joint, commonly seen in sports-related injuries or accidents.
Symptoms of a displaced fracture of the medial malleolus include severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg. In some cases, the fractured bone may protrude through the skin, leading to an open fracture.
Treatment for this condition typically involves realigning the displaced bone fragments through a surgical procedure known as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). This procedure involves surgically placing metal screws, plates, or rods to hold the fractured bone in place, allowing for proper healing and alignment.
Recovery from a displaced fracture of the medial malleolus may involve several weeks to months of immobilization, physical therapy, and rehabilitation exercises to regain strength, stability, and functionality of the ankle joint.