Bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures are common injuries often listed in personal injury claims, especially those related to car accidents. A personal injury lawyer Queens can attest to the significant strain these fractures place on a victim’s financial situation in regard to lost wages and medical bills, and the challenges they also pose to recovery. These fractures affect multiple bones in the ankle, and are particularly difficult to heal, often requiring extensive time and resources for recovery.
Surgical intervention is often necessary to repair these injuries, adding to the complexity, duration, and cost of rehabilitation. As a result, victims of these injuries may face prolonged periods of limited mobility, extensive physical therapy, and substantial medical expenses, making the assistance of a skilled Queens personal injury lawyer that much more important when securing appropriate compensation for these injuries.
Common Accidents That Cause Bimalleolar & Trimalleolar Fractures
Bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures happen in a wide range of accidents, each involving significant trauma to the ankle and lower leg areas. These types of fractures are often caused by sudden, forceful impacts or awkward movements during accidents, in which undue stress is placed on the bones surrounding the ankle. Due to the variety of scenarios in which these types of fractures can occur, the injuries are not only common but also complex, often requiring complicated treatments and recovery time. Some of the most common accidents that can cause trimalleolar and bimalleolar fractures include:
- Slip and Fall Accidents – Particularly common on icy or wet surfaces, slip and fall accidents can happen in various areas around the city. They often cause a person to lose balance and fall awkwardly. The force and angle of impact when they fall can easily lead to fractures in the bones surrounding the ankle, especially when the foot twists at an awkward angle or gets trapped during the fall.
- Trip and Falls – Tripping, especially when going downstairs or over uneven surfaces, can result in a sudden loss of balance and cause an individual to fall. The momentum and height involved when you trip and fall increases the likelihood of severe ankle injuries, including bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures. This is most often caused because when you trip, the ankle can twist or bear the brunt of the fall.
- Sports-Related Accidents – High-impact sports such as soccer, basketball, or football often involve quick changes in direction, jumping, and physical contact. These activities can place immense stress on the ankles, especially in contact sports, leading to fractures if the ankle twists or is struck with force during play.
- Car Accidents – During a car accident, the feet and ankles are often vulnerable due to high impact forces and being caught in crushed parts of vehicles. Car accident victims may have their legs caught in between the dash and the floor, or when T-boned, they don’t have much protection. This can cause the ankle to be crushed or twisted, leading to bimalleolar or trimalleolar fractures. The severity of the accident and the position of the feet at the time of impact significantly affect the likelihood of such injuries.
- Other Causes – Other accidents, such as falls from heights or workplace accidents, can also result in these types of ankle fractures. Any situation that causes the ankle to twist, bear excessive weight, or sustain a direct blow from an object can potentially lead to bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures.
What Is A Bimalleolar Fracture?
A bimalleolar fracture is a more common ankle injury, especially in car accidents and slip and falls. It involves a break in both the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone) and lateral malleolus (outer ankle bone). These are the bones that you can see on either side of your ankle. This dual-sided fracture significantly compromises the stability of the ankle joint, and often requires surgical intervention to repair and stabilize the bones. If not repaired, it could lead to worsening fractures or a complete break in the bones. Common symptoms of bimalleolar fractures include:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bruising
- Tenderness around the ankle
- The inability to bear weight on the injured foot
Promptly seeking medical attention after an accident is important so that a diagnosis can be made and treatment can begin, in order to prevent further complications and ensure proper healing.
What Is A Trimalleolar Fracture?
A trimalleolar fracture is a far less common ankle injury however, it is considered to be a severe and complex type of ankle injury that involves three distinct breaks. The fractures occur with one in each of the malleolus bones on either side of the ankle and an additional fracture in the posterior malleolus, or heel area. This fracture affects stabilizing portions of the lower leg that together form the ankle joint, which is essential for foot and ankle movement. Due to the fracture of the posterior malleolus, which is typically harder to fracture, trimalleolar fractures are more complicated and less common compared to bimalleolar fractures.
Symptoms of a trimalleolar fracture include:
- Sudden severe pain
- Difficulty or inability to bear weight or walk, especially on the heel
- Significant swelling
- Noticeable bruising around the ankle
This injury’s complexity often requires extensive surgical repair, followed by a rigorous regimen of physical therapy and frequent medical check-ups to make sure it properly heals. Recovery can be particularly challenging due to the fracture’s impact on joint stability, and could potentially lead to long-lasting effects on one’s quality of life. Prompt medical attention is essential to address the injury effectively and prevent further damage to the ankle’s ligaments and tendons.
