Avulsion fracture of the ankle

[Biter]

Hey guys,

Back in October I was screwing around doing something I shouldn't have - I went full bore into a gymnastics class. Instead of easing into it, I went hard and made some mistakes. Anyhow, I ended up with an avulsion fracture in my ankle.

Essentially, a tendon pulled a chunk of bone off part of the ankle structure. I've looked it up and saw that I don't need surgery most likely.

My question to you all - have any of you had this happen or dealt with it in any manner? I'm looking at recovery times, etc... I might need to be booted for a bit which would suck but I'll manage. Thus far it's really effected my calf work only - I destabilize easily.

Any more info on this, or knowledge would be great - thanks!

[Beverly McD.]

Hate it for you!
Mike did that to his elbow.
Full extension of his arm is impossible now.

[Biter]

Yikes! Thanks Beverly - it appears it won't be that drastic but I will probably booted for a bit. Sorry to hear that about Mike!!

[Pixie]

Yep, done that. Mine was done while I was in junior high school. I was in a splint for something like 6-8 weeks and then released by the doc to go back to activity slowly. I'm sure now he would.have prescribed physical therapy, but not so then. I have since had surgery and had the ligament repaired. The surgery wasn't because of the ligament, but rather from a fracture that didn't heal properly.

Lots of calf and foot strengthening. Lots of balance exercises. I've done my fair share of ankle rehab, so if you want more info, I'm happy to help.

[Biter]

Thank you Pixie!! I'll hit you up soon about that :)

[Pixie]

Any time, B.

[brewers]

you sure its a fracture and not a ligament tear? I torn two ligaments in my left ankle in high school. had instability issues for years after. Was finally corrected with a brostrum procedure in feb of 2008. best surgery ever. i have a 4 inch scar but no issues since. the instability was so bad i would sprain my ankle stepping off of a curb, walking straight, etc.

[Biter]

Just saw this brew - I actually collected the entire set! Two sprained ligaments, a torn tendon, and the avulsion fracture - all of it showed up on the MRI. Odd how it doesn't hurt that bad but wow it's unstable! I'll ask the doctor about that when I go in - thanks! :)

[Killer]

I did mine back in Jr high too Pixie. Avulsion fracture of the base of my 5th metacarpal. Was in a cast for I think 6 weeks as my parents did not trust me in a boot.

Agree with brewers, ask the ortho if you should consider surgery if you are really unstable.

You have down tons of ankle rehab correct?

[Biter]

Killer! Was hoping you'd stop by - I am seeing a very very good foot specialist next week with the MRI. I had planned on going from there.

Thus far I've just made sure to baby it until I go in.

As far as ankle rehab, I am set up for it but I have never had to do it, save for strengthening the joints against sprains done by rolling the ankle.

[Killer]

If you strengthen up the muscles, it should give you more stability and protect from rolling (inversion) of the ankle.

[brewers]

I did tons of rehab on mine. Didnt work for shit, but I kept going because my insurance was paying, the therapist was HOT, and it always ended with cross friction massage and ultrasound.

In any case, when i finally saw my ortho, he told me i could try therapy which wouldnt work, or he could fix it and id be back to 100% in 10 weeks. I opted for the surgery. It was outpatient. Went in around noon and was home by 5pm. 6-8 weeks on crutches, 2-3 in a walking boot, then therpy to rebuild stength and proprioception. at 12 weeks i was jogging. The worst part was how bad my leg had atrophied. Came back pretty quick though. I never have any issues with it anymore.

The surgery was a brostrom and he also removed some scar tissue (debridement). i have the before an after pictures from the arthroscope and its night and day different. I highly recommend this to anyone with recurrent sprains.

On a side note, i sometimes wonder if different initial treatment would have resulted in a different outcome. Dr's for the most part dont know how to treat sprains. The ER just made sure no bones were broken and threw me on crutches for 4 weeks. I belive weight bearing as soon as possible and basic mobility exercises help keep the muscles and tendons in better shape. I was 15 when I injured the tendons. Its not like they were old and brittle. Mine were partial tears but the elasticity never returned. ATFL was torn worse than the other.

[Biter]

Good to know brew!

I went to see them today - they explained the injury a bit better to me. The ortho said it was likely that I wouldn't need surgery but they will wait for 2 months to see what is up. In the meantime I'm doing rehab, and will be wearing a brace for the malleolus, as well as orthotics and compression sleeves for the calves. The ortho is hoping that the bone fragment will wall itself off. She also explained that there is a tear of the deltoid ligament down there which is causing the instability. The end result is that the posterior tibial tendon has to work harder - hence the calf soreness and instability.

[Killer]

Damn bro! Tearing the deltoid ligament requires a lot of force. Nice job! :eek3:

[Biter]

Hahaha, I don't do anything half ass! Including fuck myself up :hilarious:

[brewers]

any updates?