A Pott’s fracture, a specific ankle break impacting the malleolus, often stems from severe ankle sprains. Distinguishing this fracture from a sprain can be challenging.
Symptoms of Pott’s fracture
A Pott’s fracture, typically resulting from a severe ankle sprain, can initially resemble a sprain, making it difficult to identify.
Symptoms include:
- Immediate, intense ankle pain.
- Inability to bear weight on the leg.
- Tenderness at the fracture site.
- Significant swelling and bruising.
Diagnosis
Initial diagnosis includes palpating the malleolus and surrounding area, where extreme tenderness might point to a fracture. Less pain just forward or beneath the bone can suggest a ligament sprain.
While an X-ray provides the ultimate confirmation of a fracture, early scans may be unclear due to swelling and bleeding. Consequently, if a fracture suspicion persists even after the swelling subsides, a follow-up X-ray becomes necessary.
What is Pott’s fracture?
A Pott’s fracture involves a break to the lateral, medial, or malleoli, the bony protrusions on the ankle sides. With injury mechanisms similar to ankle sprains, initial differentiation can be challenging. Lateral ankle sprains, and consequently lateral malleoli fractures, occur more frequently.
Treatment of Pott’s fracture
Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a broken ankle. Depending on the fracture severity, surgery might be necessary to reposition the bones.
Non-surgical treatment typically manages spiral fractures of the lateral and posterior malleolus. Unstable lateral malleolar fractures and hairline medial malleolar fractures often require immobilization with a plaster cast for six weeks.
Use an ankle brace or walking boot to manage less severe fractures.
Exercises
Initial treatment involves mobility exercises and isometric strengthening, followed by dynamic exercises that include movement. Wobble board or proprioception training is essential.
Later stages should incorporate functional and sports-specific exercises to transition from basic rehabilitation to full sports training.
