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Promising Surgical Techniques Heal Ankle Fractures Easier, With Better Stability

SAN DIEGO, February 12, 2004 – “Is it broken?” That’s one of the most frequent questions heard by physicians.  And for patients who learn that the answer is yes, there’s good news from the nation’s foot and ankle surgeons about advanced, less-invasive surgery for repairing foot and ankle fractures.

“Our recent experiences with less-invasive surgery show that it has great promise for patients with both simple and serious foot and ankle fractures to heal faster and resume normal activities sooner than was possible just few years ago,” said ACFAS Past President James Thomas, DPM, FACFAS speaking at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Annual Scientific Conference.

With regard to some ankle fractures, Thomas reported case studies showing how newly designed surgical plates and screws allow foot and ankle surgeons to repair breaks and dislocations with less surgical trauma.  “The newer bone-fixation methods allow much smaller incisions, so tissue damage and bleeding is minimized to help accelerate healing,” he said.

Small titanium or stainless steel plates are contoured to fit on the outside of the ankle joint and are held in place with surgical screws until a complete and stable union is achieved.  The patient wears a cast or removable boot for about four weeks after surgery.  When the fracture is healed, the plates are removed in a short outpatient procedure, but within three to five years biodegradable plates, similar to those used in oral surgery, should be available and eliminate the removal procedure.  

Thomas noted that even though the new plate technology was intended for repairing ankle fractures, some specialty plates are being designed for healing broken bones in the feet.  

If not treated properly, traumatic and stress fractures of toes and long bones of the foot can lead to bony deformities, arthritis and chronic pain.  Traumatic fractures usually are caused by direct impact from tripping, falling or badly stubbing your toe.  Stress fractures are cracks or hairline breaks that usually are caused by repetitive strain, especially running.  

“The adage that if you can walk, it isn’t broken is false.  So if there is sharp, pinpoint pain after an injury or accident and significant bruising and swelling the next day, seek treatment right away to determine if there is a fracture,” said Thomas.  “Many patients with a broken bone in the foot can walk, and they wrongly assume it’s a sprain or bone bruise.”  

Thomas explained that simple foot and toe fractures can be repaired with casting, but for fractures with significant dislocation, surgery is required to unite the bone fragments and realign them properly.   

For further information about foot and ankle fractures and to locate a foot and ankle surgeon in your area, visit FootPhysicians.com, the ACFAS consumer Web site.