Broken or Fractured Ankle Management

Fractured Ankle Management After Surgery Is Usually The Exercises Prescribed By The Physiotherapist These Are Usually The Best Exercises With The Help Of These We Can Gain The Perfect Range Of Motion And Perfect Strength

• Fractured Ankle JOINT HYPOMOBILITY: NONOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

• Common Joint Pathologies and Etiology of Symptoms
• Pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA); juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA); degenerative joint disease (DJD); and acute joint reactions after trauma, dislocations, or fractures affect theFractured Ankle Management. Post-immobilization contractures and adhesions develop in the joint capsules and surrounding tissues any time a joint is immobilized in a cast or splint, typically after dislocations and fractures.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Joint pathology of foot and ankle as the result of RA commonly affects the forefoot early in the disease process, later the hindfoot, and least frequently, the ankle. Involvement may occur in the MTP, subtalar, talocrural joints of the foot, leading to instabilities and painful deformities, such as hallux valgus and subluxation of the metatarsal heads, that increase with the stress of weight bearing. Tendon rupture of foot and ankle musculature also may occur as the result of chronic inflammation and contribute to deformity.
• Degenerative joint disease (DJD) and joint trauma.
• Degenerative symptoms occur in joints that are malaligned or repetitively traumatized, and acute joint symptoms are often seen in conjunction with ankle sprains, chronic instability, or fracture. Post-traumatic arthritis leading to DJD is by far the most common type of arthritis that affects the ankle, accounting for approximately 80% of all ankle arthritis. In contrast, primary osteoarthritis, a common type of arthritis in the hip and knee, is rare in the ankle, even in the older adult population.105
• Post-immobilization stiffness. Contractures and adhesions in the capsular tissues leading to joint hypomobilities as well as in the surrounding periarticular tissues may occur
• any time the joint is immobilized after a fracture or surgery.
• Symptoms commonly affect the MTP joint of the great toe, causing pain during terminal stance so that there is a shorter stance and lack of smooth push-off.
• Common Impairments and Functional Limitations/Disabilities
• In RA, many of the following impairments and deformities occur with progression of the disease.18,92 With DJD and post-immobilization stiffness, only the affected joint or joints are limited.16 Functional limitations and disabilities occur primarily as a result of loss of weight-bearing abilities.

Fractured Ankle Restricted motion .

• When symptoms are acute, the patient experiences swelling and restricted, painful motion, particularly during weight-bearing activities. When symptoms are chronic, there is restricted motion, decreased joint play, and a firm capsular end-feel in the affected joint.
• Decreased mobility in the proximal and distal tibiofibular joints.
• Restricted accessory motion in these joints usually occurs with periods of immobilization and limits ankle and subtalar joint motion.
• Talocrural joint.
• Passive plantarflexion is more limited than dorsiflexion (unless the gastrocnemius–soleus muscle group also is shortened, in which case dorsiflexion is limited accordingly
• Subtalar and transverse tarsal joints.
• Progressive limitation of supination develops until eventually the joint fixes in pronation with flattening of the medial longitudinal arch. The close-packed position of the tarsals (supination) becomes more and more difficult to assume during the terminal stance (push-off) phase of gait.
• MTP joint of the large toe.
• Gross limitation of extension and some limitation of flexion develop; the rest of the MTP joints are variable
• Lack of extension restricts the terminal stance phase of gait with an inability to rock up onto the metatarsal heads. This exacerbates the pronation posture and inability to supinate the foot during push off in gait
• Common deformities
• Deformities occur due to a variety of factors including but not limited to muscle imbalances,faulty footware, trauma, and heredity.
• Hallux valgus.
• This deformity in the great (large) toe develops as the proximal phalanx shifts laterally toward the second toe. Eventually the flexor and extensor muscles of the great toe shift laterally and further accentuate the deformity. The bursa over the medial aspect of the metatarsal head may become inflamed and the bone hypertrophies, causing a painful biunion.
• Hallux rigidus.
• Narrowing and eventual obliteration of the first MTP joint space occur with progressive loss of extension. This affects terminal stance by not allowing the foot to roll over the metatarsal heads and great toe for normal push-off. Instead, the individual turns the foot outward and rolls over the medial aspect of the large toe. This faulty pattern accentuates hallux valgus and foot pronation, and usually the MTP joint is quite painful.
• Dorsal dislocation of the proximal phalanges on the metatarsal heads.
• If this occurs, the fat pad, which is normally under the metatarsal heads, migrates dorsally with the phalanges, and the protective cushion on weight bearing is lost, leading to pain, callus formation, and potential ulceration.
• Claw toe (MTP hyperextension and IP flexion) and hammer toe (MTP hyperextension, PIP flexion, and DIP hyperextension).
• These result from muscle imbalances between the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the toes. Friction from shoes may cause calluses to form where the toes rub.
• Muscle weakness and decreased muscular endurance.
• Inhibition resulting from pain and decreased use of the extremities lead to impaired muscle function.
• Impaired balance and postural control
• The sensory receptors in the ankle joints and ligaments, as well as in the muscle spindles, provide important information for posture and movement, known as the ankle strategy. The ankle strategy is used in balance control during perturbations. Faulty feedback and balance deficits occur when there is instability, muscle impairments, or arthritis.
• Increased frequency of falling.
• Impaired balance may lead to frequent falling or fear of falling and thus restrict community outings.
• Painful weight bearing.
• When symptoms are acute, weight-bearing activities are painful, preventing independent ambulation and causing difficulty in rising from a chair and ascending and descending stairs.
• Gait deviations.
• If the patient experiences pain during weight bearing, there is a short stance phase, reduced single limb support, and decreased stride length on the side of involvement. Because of the restricting motion and loss of effective plantarflexion and supination in the arthritic foot, as well as pain in the forefoot area under the metatarsal heads, push-off is ineffective during terminal stance. Little or no heel rise occurs; instead, the person lifts up the involved foot
• Decreased ambulation.
• Because of decreased ankle and foot mobility and resulting decreased length of stride,distance and speed of ambulation are decreased; the person may require use of assistive devices for ambulation. If pain, balance, or restricted motion is severe the person will be unable to ambulate and, therefore, requires a wheelchair for mobility.

• Joint Hypomobility: Fractured Ankle Management— Protection Phase

• Educate the Patient and Provide Joint Protection in Fractured Ankle Management
• Teach a home exercise program at the level of the patient’s abilities. Teach the patient to be aware of signs of systemic fatigue (especially in RA), local muscle fatigue, and joint stress, and how to modify exercises and activities to remain active within safe levels. Emphasize the importance of daily ROM, endurance activities, and joint protection Fractured Ankle Management

• Decrease Pain
• In addition to physician-prescribed medication, intra articular injections of corticosteroids, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and therapeutic use of modalities the following are used to manage painful symptoms.
• Manual therapy techniques for Fractured Ankle Management. Gentle grade I or II distraction and oscillation techniques may inhibit pain and move synovial fluid for nutrition within the involved joints.
• Orthotic devices. Orthotics and well-constructed shoes help protect the joints by realigning forces and providing support from faulty foot postures.45,62,65 Such support has been shown to decrease pain and improve functional mobility. Splinting or bracing may also be used to stabilize an arthritic joint.
• Maintain Joint and Soft Tissue in Fractured Ankle Management
• Mobility and Muscle Integrity
• Passive, active-assistive, or active ROM. It is important to move the joints as tolerated. If active exercises are tolerated they are preferred because of the benefits of muscle action.
• Aquatic therapy. Aquatic therapy is an effective method of combining nonstressful buoyancy-assisted exercises with therapeutic heat.
• Muscle setting. Apply gentle multiangle muscle-setting techniques in pain-free positions and at an intensity that does not exacerbate symptoms.
• Joint Hypomobility: Management—Controlled Motion and Return to Function Phases
• Examine the patient for signs of decreased muscle flexibility joint restrictions, muscle weakness, and balance impairments. Initiate exercises and mobilization procedures at a level appropriate for the condition of the patient.

• P R E C A U T I O N S W I T H  R A in Fractured Ankle Management:

• Modify the intensity of joint mobilization and stretching techniques used to counter anyrestrictions because the disease process and use of steroid therapy weaken the tensile quality of the connective tissue
• Increase Joint Play and Accessory Motions

Joint mobilization techniques.

• In Fractured Ankle Management Determine which articulations are restricted owing to decreased joint play, and apply grade III sustained or grade III and IV oscillation techniques to stretch the limitations.

Plantar flexion MWM

• Patient position and procedure While Fractured Ankle Management: Supine with hip and knee flexed and heel on the table . Stand at the foot of the table facing the patient and contact the patient’s anterior tibia with the palm of your hand (for the right foot use the left hand). Produce a pain-free graded posterior glide of the tibia on the talus. The patient should now be unable to plantarflex. While maintaining the posterior tibial glide grip the talus with your other hand (for the right foot, use the right hand) and create a passive end-range plantarflexion movement, causing the talus to roll anteriorly.
• Dorsiflexion MWM
• In Fractured Ankle Patient position and procedure: The patient is standing with the affected foot placed on a chair or stool . Kneel on the floor facing the patient with a mobilization belt around your buttocks and the patient’s Achilles tendon. Place the web space of both hands around the neck of the talus with the palms on the dorsum of the foot. Hold the foot down and back and the subtalarjoint in neutral pronation/supination. Use the belt to produce a pain-free graded anterior gliding force to the ankle joint. While maintaining this mobilization, have the patient lunge forward, bringing the affected ankle into dorsiflexion and causing painless end-range loading. Repeat in sets of 6 to 10, reassessing for effect.
• Regain a Balance in Muscle Strength and Prepare for Functional Activities
• Initiate resistive exercises at a level appropriate for the weakened muscles in fractured ankle. Low-load, weight-bearing exercises may be initiated in a pool or tank and progressed to full weight bearing as tolerated.
• Improve Balance and Proprioception
• Initiate protected balance exercises, and progress the intensity as tolerated. Determine the level of stability and safety during ambulation and continue use of assistive devices if necessary to help prevent falls.
• Develop Cardiopulmonary Fitness
• Low-impact aerobic exercises should be initiated early in the treatment program and progressed as the patient is able. Repetitive exercises in a pool (water aerobics), swimming treadmill walking, and bicycling may be a kind of helpful.
• Fractured Ankle JOINT SURGERY AND
  POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT
  
• Surgical Interventions for Earlyand Late-Stage Ankle or Foot Arthritis and Joint Deformity.
• Early-Stage Procedures
• Arthroscopic débridement and cheilectomy (removal of
• osteophytes)
• Arthroscopic subchondral drilling, mosaicplasty, or osteochondral autologous implantation for small osteochondral lesions of the talus
• Articular distraction (widening of the joint space by means of a temporarily inserted external fixation device)
• Soft tissue reconstruction
• Synovectomy
• Late-Stage Procedures
• Osteotomy
• Excision arthroplasty with or without implant
• Total joint arthroplasty
• Arthrodesis
• Total Ankle Arthroplasty
• Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is an option for carefully selected patients with disabling pain associated with advanced, symptomatic arthritis of the talocrural joint whose only surgical alternative is ankle arthrodesis. This procedure provides pain relief while preserving functional motion of the ankle and therefore reduces stresses on adjacent joints more effectively than does arthrodesis. TAA is most appropriate for individuals who are relatively sedentary and do not expect to participate in high-impact recreational activities or heavy labor after surgery.
• Indications for Broken or Fractured Ankle Surgery
• Severe, persistent pain, particularly during weight bearing, and compromised functional mobility as the result of advanced degenerative or inflammatory joint disease including post-traumatic arthritis; OA, RA, or JRA; or avascular necrosis of the dome of the talus
• Sufficient integrity of ligaments for ankle stability
• A flexible deformity that can be passively corrected to neutral or no more than 5 or hindfoot valgus
• Contraindications
• contraindications include active or chronic infection of the ankle, severe osteoporosis,impaired lower extremity vascular supply.
• Procedure Of Broken or Fractured Ankle Treatment
  
• Advances in prosthetic design, beginning in the late 1980s and early 1990s, based on a more thorough understanding of the biomechanics of the ankle and foot, have incorporated sliding and rotational motions into implant systems. Because contemporary prosthetic designs more closely mimic the characteristics of a normal ankle joint, ROM available in several of these systems now approaches that of a normal ankle.109 Changes in design combined with improved surgical techniques, such as better soft tissue balancing and ligament reconstruction, and the availability of new implant materials and cementless fixation have led to current-day, “second generation” TAA (Fig. 22.6). These new implant designs, which are minimally constrained or semiconstrained, completely resurface the tibial, fibular, and talar articulating surfaces using either a two- or three-component system.
• Operative procedure.
• Although there are numerous variations of operative procedures involved in a TAA, the following represent key components.4,33,51,91 An anterior longitudinal incision between the tibialis anterior and extensor hallicis longus tendons is the most widely used approach for TAA. The extensor retinaculum and capsule are incised to expose the joint. The joint is débrided and osteophytes are removed. An external distraction device is used to separate the joint surfaces and facilitate bone resection.
• Small portions of the distal tibia and talar dome are excised, followed by preparation of the joint surfaces. In some cases, the medial and lateral malleolar recesses also are resurfaced. Trial implants are inserted, and ROM is checked to be certain that at least 5 of dorsi flexion is possible. If limited by a contracture of the gastro cnemius– soleus muscle group, a per cutaneous lengthening of the Achilles tendon is performed.
• Complications of Total
  Ankle Arthroplasty
• Intraoperative Complications
• Fracture of the medial or lateral malleolus during implant insertion→the necessity for fracture stabilization with internal fixation.
• Malpositioning of an implant→chronic ankle instability, subluxation, dislocation, early mechanical loosening, or premature implant wear.
• Laceration of the posterior tibialis tendon during bone resection due to its close proximity to the medial malleolus→for tendon repair.
• Nerve injury, usually the superficial or deep peroneal→impaired sensory or motor function.
• Insufficient soft tissue balancing or reconstruction→chronic ankle instability or deformity.
• Postoperative: Early and Long-Term Complications
• Delayed union or nonunion of a tibio fibular syndesmosis fusion→an extended immobilization and non weight bearing period.
• Mechanical (aseptic) loosening (most often the talar component)→pain and impaired functional mobility
• Hindfoot arthritis (most often the sub talar joint)→pain and impaired weight-bearing abilities.
• Postoperative Management
• Immobilization and Weight-Bearing considerations
• The ankle is placed in a compression
• dressing and immobilized in a neutral position in a well padded,short-leg, posterior splint. The duration of continuous immobilization varies depending on the type of implant fixation used and the types of surgical procedures performed during the arthroplasty. For example, if a tibio fibular syndesmosis or sub talar fusion was performed, no motion is allowed for 6 weeks or until there is evidence of bony union.
• Weight-bearing considerations.
• In Fractured Ankle Management patient must always wear an ankle immobilizer when initiating weight bearing after TAA. Recommendations for the time at which weight bearing is permissible after cementless fixation range from a maximum of 40 pounds 33 or weight bearing as tolerated4 immediately after surgery to non weight bearing for 3 weeks or more.86 If a tibio fibular syndesmosis fusion was performed, weight bearing is not permitted for at least 6 weeks.
• Exercise for Fractured Ankle Management : Maximum Protection Phase
• The first phase of postoperative rehabilitation, which extends for about 6 weeks, focuses on the patient becoming functionally mobile immediately after surgery with attention to protecting the operated ankle and controlling postoperative edema.
• Begin isometric (muscle-setting) exercises of the ankle musculature, gluteal, and quadriceps muscles and activeresistive exercises of hip and knee musculature on the operated side.93
• Strengthen the nonoperated lower extremity and upper extremities using resisted exercises in preparation for ambulation.
• Regain active ROM of the operated ankle using gentle nonforceful motions when it is permissible to remove  the immobilization and if wound healing is sufficient.
• Include dorsi flexion and plantar flexion, inversion,eversion, and circumduction. Perform active ROM
• Exercise for Fractured Ankle Management : Moderate and Minimum Protection Phases
• Goals during the final phases Fractured Ankle Management are to achieve 100% of the ROM observed intraoperatively 86; restore strength,muscular endurance, and balance in the lower extremities
• The following interventions are recommended to meet these goals.
• Continue or initiate active ROM exercises of the operated ankle and foot.
• Stretch the plantarflexors, if dorsiflexion is restricted, using towel stretches in a long-sitting position, or have the patient stand on a wedge for an extended period of time.
• Perform low-intensity, high-repetition resistance exercises in nonweight-bearing and weight-bearing positions.
• Initiate a stationary cycling program and progress the speed and distance of ambulation to increase cardiopulmonary fitness and lower extremity muscular endurance. The amount of dorsiflexion required during pedaling can be adjusted by raising or lowering the seat height.
• To the extent weight bearing allows, perform a progression of bilateral and unilateral balance activities.
• Arthrodesis at the Ankle and Foot
• Arthrodesis is the most frequently used surgery for latestage arthritis of the ankle or one or more of the joints of the foot and toes. It typically is the procedure of choice for relatively young, active patients with post-traumatic arthritis and gross instability of the ankle and hindfoot.
• Indications for Broken Ankle Surgery
• Debilitating pain, particularly during weight bearing, and severe articular degeneration secondary to post-traumatic arthritis, OA, RA, infection, or other inflammatory arthropathies
• Marked instability of one or more joints
• Deformity of the toes, foot, or ankle associated with chronic joint malalignment as the result of congenital anomalies, neuromuscular disorders, or arthritis
• Patients with high functional demands and pain-free compensatory movements in adjacent joints
• A salvage procedure after failed total ankle arthroplasty
• Broken Ankle Recovery Tips and Procedures
• There are many types of arthrodesis; however, all involve the use of bone grafts coupled with internal fixation devices  or occasionally external skeletal fixation for bony ankylosis. Arthrodesis at the ankle or foot almost always is performed through an open approach. Over the past decade, however, arthroscopic or arthroscopically assisted arthrodesis of the ankle has become an option for patients with severe pain at the tibiotarsal joint but without significantfied deformity Specifically, an arthroscopic approach cannot be used if a varus or valgus deformity is greater than 5 to 10.102 The most consistently suggested benefit of an arthroscopic approach is a reduced rate of wound healing complications because of less disruption of soft tissues during surgery.
• Common Types of Arthrodesis
• Arthrodesis of the ankle
• When the tibiotalar joint is fused, it is positioned in 0 of dorsiflexion, 5 of hindfoot valgus, and 5 to 10 of external rotation of the foot on the tibia to match the rotation of the opposite lower extremity. Although ankle arthrodesis provides pain relief and ankle stability, dorsiflexion and plantarflexion are lost, consequently altering the biomechanics and speed of gait and increasing energy expenditure during ambulation.
• Arthrodesis of the hindfoot
• Severe instability or chronic malalignment and deformity of the hindfoot, such as pes valgus or pes planus, and pain as the result of advanced hindfoot arthritis may require a triple arthrodesis or a single-joint fusion, such as talonavicular or talocalcaneal (subtalar) arthrodesis. A triple arthrodesis, often indicated for a rigid hindfoot deformity, involves fusion of the talo calcaneal, talonavicular, and calcaneocuboid joints.66 A single-joint fusion, such as a talo navicular arthrodesis, may be sufficient to correct a chronic but flexible behind foot 23,49,87 In most instances the behind foot is positioned in 5 of valgus in each of these fusions.
• 
• Arthrodesis of the first toe.
• Fusion of the first MTP joint for hallux rigidus and hallux valgus provides relief of pain, most notably during ambulation.1,17,41 The position of fusion is neutral rotation, 10 to 15 of valgus, 15 to 30 of MTP extension. This allows adequate push-off during ambulation but also enables a patient to wear some types of commercially available shoes.14,17,41 If the lateral MTP joints also are involved, fusion of the great toe is performed after, not before, excision or implant arthroplasty of the lateral joints.
• Arthrodesis of the IP joints of the toes
• Fusion of the IP joints of the toes in a neutral position for hammer toes, usually occurring in the second and third toes, provides relief of pain for ambulation and correction of deformities of the toes to improve shoe fit.
• Complications in Fractured Ankle Management
• The overall rate of complications associated with arthrodesis is relatively low but varies with patient population,the joints involved, and surgical techniques.105 The most common complication is nonunion, occurring in up to 10% of arthrodesis procedures.87,105 The smaller the area of the bony surfaces and the poorer their vascular supply, the higher the rate of nonunion. Factors that contribute to nonunion include postoperative infection, malalignment of the fused joint, and a patient’s use of tobacco before and after surgery.
• Postoperative Fractured Ankle Management
• The method and duration of immobilization of the fused joints are determined by the surgeon based on the site of the fusion, the type of fixation used, the quality of fixation achieved, the patient’s bone quality, and the presence of factors that affect bone healing, such as systemic inflammatory disease and preoperative use of corticosteroids.
• At the close of surgery, a compression dressing and splint are applied and worn for 48 to 72 hours for edema control. For an ankle or behind foot arthrodesis, after the compression dressing has been removed, a short-leg cast is applied for an extended period of time, usually 4 to 8 weeks. During the first 6 weeks, frequent cast changes are necessary as swelling subsides. A short-leg walking cast or rigid boot is applied at about 4 to 8 weeks, and immobilization continues for an additional 4 to 6 weeks After arthrodesis of the first MTP joint, a short-leg cast or surgical shoe with a flat, rigid sole is worn to protect the joint as it heals
• Weight-bearing considerations
• As with postoperative immobilization, published guidelines for the timing and extent of weight bearing permissible after arthrodesis vary considerably. The same considerations that influence decisions about immobilization also influence the progression of postoperative weight bearing on the operated extremity. The most prevalent practice is to substantially restrict weight bearing for many weeks after open or arthroscopic arthrodesis. Typically, patients must ambulate with crutches or a walker and are not allowed to bear weight on the operated side for 4 to 8 weeks. When there is radio graphic evidence of bony healing, partial weight bearing is permitted while the patient wears a rigid short-leg boot or shoe. Full weight bearing without wearing an immobilizer usually is permitted by 12 to 16 weeks post operative.
• Postoperative exercises
• Initially, in Fractured Ankle Management postoperative exercises focus on ROM of the unoperated joints proximal or distal to the joints that are immobilized. If the patient is wearing a removable splint, ROM exercises of the unoperated joints confined by the immobilizer may be permissible early in the rehabilitation program as well.7 For example, after ankle or behind foot arthrodesis, exercises to maintain toe mobility are indicated in addition to knee ROM. For a patient with RA, active ROM is essential in all involved joints not controlled by the immobilization device. When bony fusion has occurred and use of the immobilizer has been discontinued, often there are signs of post immobilization muscle weakness, hypo mobility of joints.
• Fractured Ankle Recovery Time
• During the first 6 weeks, frequent cast changes are necessary as swelling subsides. A short-leg walking cast or rigid boot is applied at about 4 to 8 weeks, and immobilization continues for an additional 4 to 6 weeks After arthrodesis of the first MTP joint, a short-leg cast or surgical shoe with a flat, rigid sole is worn to protect the joint as it heals. Full weight bearing without wearing an immobilizer usually is permitted by 12 to 16 weeks post operative.