Fibula avulsion consultant advice

Fibula Avulsion

Hello, I’m Mr. Lomax, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon. I regularly treat patients with injuries like yours. I’m here to explain the details of your injury, the treatment required, and your recovery plan.

You have sustained an avulsion fracture of your ankle, where a ligament has pulled off a small piece of bone. This injury is treated in much the same way as an ankle sprain. An example of this is shown on the screen. This is a common injury that will heal naturally over a period of about six weeks. Pain and swelling are common in the early stages, and it may take up to three months for these symptoms to fully resolve. You may need painkillers and anti-inflammatories, particularly in the early stages. Further guidance on this can be found in Phase 1 of your rehabilitation package.

You can walk on your foot as pain allows. You will have been given a walker boot for comfort, but it does not aid in healing. For instructions on applying and removing the walker boot, please refer to the walker boot video.

You can start driving again once you are no longer wearing the walker boot, can perform an emergency stop, and are able to manoeuvre your car safely. You can return to work when you feel comfortable and safe to do so.