Ankle Fracture In Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• An ankle fracture (FRAK-chur) is a break in one or more of the bones in your child's ankle. The ankle is a joint formed where the tibia, fibula, and the talus meet. The tibia (shin bone) and fibula (smaller leg bone) are the two bones in the lower leg. The talus bone is the square flat bone at the top of the foot. An ankle fracture may be caused by twisting or upward bending of the foot. This often occurs in a fall, car accident, direct blow, or while playing sports. Bone diseases, such as rickets or osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), may also cause fractures in children.
  
  
• Your child may have pain, swelling, or bruising in the injured ankle. Your child's foot may look deformed and he may have trouble walking or putting any weight on his ankle. Ankle fractures may be diagnosed using an x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computerized tomography (CT) scan. Your child's broken ankle may need a cast or even surgery as treatment. With proper treatment and care, your child may be able to resume his normal activities. Ask your caregiver about these tests and treatments.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

RISKS:

An injury to the ankle may cause other problems. If left untreated, the bones may not go back to the way they were before. Your child's injured ankle may grow differently from the normal ankle. The injured ankle may be shorter or bigger than the other one.

If the fracture has an open wound, your child may get an infection. Although uncommon in children, your child may have decreased blood supply to the injured area. Early diagnosis of the type and severity of the foot injury is very important. Call your caregiver if you have concerns about your child's fracture, medicines, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.

Emotional support:

Stay with your child for comfort and support as often as possible while he is in the hospital. Ask another family member or someone close to the family to stay with your child when you cannot be there. Bring items from home that will comfort your child, such as a favorite blanket or toy.

Medicine:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help prevent or treat an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Pain medicine: Your child may need medicine to take away or decrease pain. Know how often your child should get the medicine and how much. Watch for signs of pain in your child. Tell caregivers if his pain continues or gets worse. To prevent falls, stay with your child to help him get out of bed.
  
  
• Tetanus shot: This is medicine to keep your child from getting tetanus. It is given as a shot. Your child should have a tetanus shot if he has not had one in the past 5 to 10 years. Your child's arm can get red, swollen, and sore after getting this shot.

Tests:

Your child may have one or more of the following:

• X-rays: Your child may need x-rays of the ankle and foot to check for broken bones. Several pictures may be taken of the bones in your child's ankle and foot. X-rays of both your child's injured and uninjured ankles may be taken.
  
  
• Computerized tomography scan: This test is also called a CT or CAT scan. This is a type of x-ray that uses computers to take pictures of your child's leg, ankle, and foot. Your child may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help caregivers see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell your child's caregiver if your child is allergic to shellfish or has other allergies or medical conditions.
  
  
• Magnetic resonance imaging scan: This test is also called an MRI. The test uses magnetic waves to take pictures of your child's leg, ankle, and foot.

Treatment options:

Caregivers may line up the broken parts of the bone if they are out of place. Your child may need to wear a cast to keep the bone parts from moving while they are healing. Surgery may be needed if your child's foot is badly injured. During surgery, wires, screws, or metal plates may be used to hold the broken bone parts in the correct place.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Ankle Fracture In Children (Inpatient Care)