Bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures are common injuries listed in car accident claims. An Ocala car accident lawyer can attest to the strain they put on a car accident victim's financial situation, as well as how hard it is to recover from these injuries. These fractures, which involve multiple bones, can be particularly challenging to heal from and often require significant time, money, and time for recovery. Surgical intervention is frequently required to repair these types of fractures, which only adds to the complexity and duration of the rehabilitation process. As a result, victims may face prolonged periods of limited mobility, extensive physical therapy, and substantial medical expenses as a direct result, making the assistance of a skilled Ocala personal injury lawyer essential when seeking to secure appropriate compensation for these injuries.
What Are Bimalleolar And Trimalleolar Fractures?
Bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures are severe injuries to the ankle. When truly understanding the extent of these fractures, it's important to understand the anatomy of the ankle. The upper part of the ankle is made up of connections between three key bones: the tibia, the fibula, and the talus. When exposed to trauma in a car accident, these bones and their connecting structures can be damaged. Bimalleolar fractures and trimalleolar fractures are different from each other in that different parts of the ankle are broken.
Bimalleolar Fractures
A bimalleolar fracture is actually fairly common, as they make up 60% of all ankle fractures, according to the National Institutes of Health. They involve a break in both the medial malleolus and the lateral malleolus, which are important structural components of the ankle. The medial malleolus is the inner bone bump positioned at the lower end of the tibia, while the lateral malleolus refers to the outer bone bump located at the lower end of the fibula, both of which are visible when looking at the ankle. Essentially, this type of fracture affects both the inner and outer parts of the ankle, resulting in an unstable ankle joint and severe pain. This dual-sided injury severely compromises the structural integrity of the ankle joint, making it vulnerable to further damage if not immediately treated. It could also potentially lead to early-onset ankle arthritis if left untreated. The standard course of treatment protocol for a bimalleolar fracture includes surgical intervention to repair the broken inner and outer ankle bones and stabilize the joint, which aims to reduce the risk of complications and create an avenue for proper healing.
Common Symptoms of Bimalleolar Fracture
Bimalleolar fractures can occur after being in a car accident, therefore it’s important to know the common symptoms they present. The main symptoms of a bimalleolar fracture manifest in the fibula, tibula, ankle and foot. Here’s what to look out for include:
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Swelling
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Redness
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Hematoma (bruising) formation
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Tenderness around the lateral or medial malleolus or even in the knee joint
The key indicator of an ankle fracture, especially a bimalleolar fracture, is the inability to bear weight on the injured foot. During a physical examination by a doctor, palpation can help identify the exact location of the fracture. If an individual experiences tenderness at the tip of the lateral or medial malleolus or within 6 cm above these ankle structures, along with an inability to bear weight, a doctor will likely order radiographs to confirm the presence of a bimalleolar fracture.
Trimalleolar Fractures
A trimalleolar fracture, is similar to a bimalleolar fracture, however it involves an additional break in the posterior malleolus. This makes it a more complex and relatively rare type of ankle fracture because the posterior malleolus is otherwise known as the heel, which is hard to fracture. This injury affects the lower leg sections that make up the ankle joint and allow the foot and ankle to move.
Due to the complexity of this injury, trimalleolar ankle fracture settlements tend to be higher than those for simple broken ankles that only require a cast and time to heal. Treatment typically involves extensive surgical repair that is then followed by a lengthy regimen of physical therapy and frequent doctor’s visits to make sure the fracture is healing properly. The impact of a trimalleolar fracture on one's quality of life can be significant and long-lasting as well, even when physical therapy is followed religiously. Recovery can be challenging due to the injury's complex nature and its effects on joint stability, often requiring ongoing rehabilitation efforts for a long period of time to regain full function without pain.
Symptoms of a Trimalleolar Fracture
Common symptoms of a trimalleolar fracture after being injured in a car accident are very similar to bimalleolar fractures, and include:
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Sudden severe pain
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Difficulty or inability to put weight on the ankle or walk
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Bruising on or around the ankle
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Significant swelling
Trying to walk with a trimalleolar fracture after being in a car accident can be extremely painful and may further damage the ankle's ligaments and tendons. Seeking medical diagnosis and treatment is crucial to properly treat the injury before it damages other important components of the ankle, ensuring the best possible outcome for recovery.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Bimalleolar & Trimalleolar Fractures?
The treatment for a bimalleolar or trimalleolar fractures sustained in car accidents should begin immediately with stabilizing the ankle and transporting the individual to the emergency room. Surgery is required to repair these fracture sites, which will include repositioning the bones to their normal anatomical alignment and securing them with screws and plates. Following surgery, the individual will be completely non-weight-bearing for a period of at least 2-3 months. During this time, it’s important to not bear weight on the repaired ankle, as doing so could shift the placement of the repaired bones. Any misalignment of the bones during the recovery period could predispose the patient to an early onset of osteoarthritis in the joints of the ankle and foot.
Swelling can be severe after sustaining a trimalleolar or bimalleolar fracture. If swelling is excessive, surgery may be delayed by days or even weeks. Severe swelling not only complicates the surgical procedure but it also increases the risk of infection and can delay post-surgery healing. Therefore, managing and reducing swelling is an important part of the recovery process and must be factored into the overall recovery time if surgery is delayed. Overall, the entire recovery period for bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures, including surgery and rehabilitation, can be lengthy and inconvenient, requiring careful adherence to post-operative care instructions.
