distal fibula fracture

[janicea]

Hello, I have a distal fibula fracture and was wondering about how long before it'll heal.  I had fallen down the stairs of my apt. after moving some stuff, missing a step, landing on right foot, and I couldn't walk afterward.  The fall itself didn't hurt me, but I knew immediately my ankle was broken as it was swollen.  I have some of the posts about it and it scares me that it may not unite.  What is the general outlook for this type of fracture?  

[Michael L Gross, MD]

The prognosis for fibula fracturs is generally good. But it really depends on the degree of displacement, and concommitant injuries to the rest of the ankle. I treat non, or minimally displace fractures with a removable boot, and weight bearing for 6 weeks. Displaced fractures are treated with open reduction and internal fixation (surgery with plates and screws) to restore the anatomy and hold t in correct alignment until the bones heal. Again, six to eight weeks.

[PedroH]

Hi there! That bruising takes forever to go away-even my swelling took a couple months.As long as you have a good pulse on the top of your foot I wouldn't worry much.I was also told to wiggle my toes all the time.Good luck to you!

[janiceg620]

OMG it took a few months to heal, have swelling go down and for the bruising to go away?  Oh, no!

[janiceg620]

Thank you!  The bruising on my toes is not going away...Is there any worries for lack of circulation of blood to that leg/foot?