Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture After a Slip and Fall

Slip and Fall Accident Causing a Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture in Indiana

Any slip and fall accident could result in injury to the ankle. Some of those ankle injuries are so severe that they require surgery and months of recovery, not to mention pain and suffering, and time out of work. Many of the most serious types of ankle injuries involve fractures or broken bones. A common type of fracture is a bimalleolar ankle fracture. This type of fracture is very painful and often results in months of disability, high medical bills, and significant pain and suffering. If you suffered a bimalleolar ankle fracture after a slip and fall, you should consult with an experienced slip and fall lawyer in Indiana.

Common Types of Ankle Fractures After a Slip and Fall in Indiana

There are many different types of ankle fractures that could be caused in a slip and fall. Some of the most common include the following:

• Lateral Malleolus Fracture
• Medial Malleolus Fracture
• Posterior Malleolus Fracture
• Bimalleolar Fracture
• Trimalleolar Fracture

What is a Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture Injury?

A bimalleolar fracture is the medical name for a certain type of broken ankle. The ankle is a complex joint made up of three bones (the talus, the fibula, and the tibia) that are all held together with ligaments for support and stability. A broken ankle that involves the fracturing of both the fibula bone and the tibia bone is referred to as a bimalleolar fracture.

Causes of Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture Injury

There are several causes of a bimalleolar fracture, including the following:

• A slip, trip, or fall
• Rolling the ankle sideways
• Rotating or twisting the ankle area
• Any forceful impact like a direct hit to the ankle

If you or a loved one suffered a personal injury —including bimalleolar ankle fractures after a fall on the property of another person, business, or government entity, call Shaw Law at (260) 777-7777 to schedule a FREE consultation with our experienced slip and fall lawyers in Indiana.

Medical Treatments for Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture Injury

A bimalleolar ankle fracture is considered a serious break that most likely will need surgical intervention in order to heal. However, not every person is a good candidate for surgery. People who are not considered good candidates for bimalleolar ankle surgery are those for whom the risks of surgery outweigh the rewards, such as anyone with a significant underlying health issue. Another situation might be someone who does not walk (non-ambulatory), such as a person who is in a wheelchair or who is bedridden. A doctor will advise if surgery is not to be pursued.

The first nonsurgical technique is an obvious one, keeping the patient from putting any weight on that ankle. The next nonsurgical techniques to be employed are splints and low leg casts. The splint will keep the ankle area from moving and will decrease swelling and inflammation.

After that is the application of a low leg cast. A patient may need a few low leg casts because they will need to be refitted as the ankle area swelling decreases. This process usually takes about six weeks. If the doctor believes that the break is healing as it should and is getting stronger and more stable, then the low leg cast can be replaced with a soft brace. Eventually, even the soft brace may be removed when the patient is healed.

Serious fractures like bimalleolar ankle fractures make the ankle very unstable and will likely require surgery to heal. If the bones shattered during the break, then they will need to be put back into their proper position. This could be done with special metal screws and plates, or even rods that are placed inside the bone to keep everything together during the healing process.

Prognosis for Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture After a Slip and Fall

• Patients should avoid weight-bearing activities (including driving) until their doctor clears them to do so.
• Most people return to their former activities and to work within four months.
• Physical therapy will help with ankle strengthening and flexibility when it is done consistently.
• Ankle braces can be worn during activities like work or sports to protect the ankle.

Complications from Bimalleolar Fracture Ankle Injury

• Surgical risks like nerve and tendon damage, pain, bleeding, infection, and blood clots.
• The frail and elderly, smokers, and diabetics are considered a higher risk for post-surgery complications, as well as having longer healing times for wounds and bones.
• A malunion (a bad union) when the bone fracture healed before it was in its proper place.
• Pain from metal screws, plates, and rods and potentially future surgery to remove these.
• Arthritis.

Did You Suffer a Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture After a Slip and Fall in Indiana? Our Slip and Fall Lawyers Can Help You

Any type of fracture bone can be extremely painful and debilitating, often resulting in agony and disability. One of the most common types of injuries in a slip, trip, and fall is a bimalleolar ankle fracture. These can be very serious cases that require a skilled and competent lawyer to help victims and their families recover compensation.

If you or a loved one suffered serious personal injuries such as a broken bones or bimalleolar ankle fracture after a slip and fall in Indiana, call Shaw Law to speak with our experienced slip and fall lawyers at (260) 777-7777 or message us to learn how we can help protect your rights.