Rehabilitation after ankle fracture should be carried out in stages. Initially, the patient is in a cast, which significantly limits the rehabilitation process. After removing the bandage rehabilitation carried out more actively, it consists of physiotherapy, massage and physiotherapy.

Features ankle fracture

Ankle - a distal (end) shin bone formation, which is involved in the formation of the ankle joint. Two ankles - the inner (medial) and outer (lateral). Ankle Fracture - this is one of the most frequent fractures and only a small fraction relates to complex fractures, dislocations accompanied Dislocation - Prevention and Treatment , Subluxation of the talus. The most common fractures of the lateral malleolus, but can also be fractures of the medial malleolus, and even both ankles. Fracture incidence can be obtained by, for example, slipping on ice tucked leg and so on.

Rehabilitation after ankle fracture - first stage

At the turn of the ankle bone trauma compares and applies a plaster cast for a period of 4 to 12 weeks - depending on the characteristics of the fracture. Pain and swelling after fracture subside in about a week. At this time should begin rehabilitation activities. Restoration of limb function starts with therapeutic exercises in the supine position:

• healthy leg bent at the knee and hip joints, not looking up from the floor; repeat the exercise to 7 times;
• healthy leg bent at the knee and hip joints, tearing off the heel from the floor; repeat the exercise to 7 times;
• bend the leg at the hip and knee; foot moving clockwise; repeat the exercise to 7 times;
• the same exercise is carried out counterclockwise to 7 times;
• bend the leg at the knee and hip joints at right angles, then the maximum straighten the knee, once again bend to a right angle; repeat the exercise to 7 times;
• bend the leg at the knee and hip, keeping your heels on the floor, without changing the position of the maximum turn the leg outward at the hip; repeat the exercise up to 7 times.

At the same time, you can start your own to sit up in bed, walking on crutches and move your fingers open sore feet. Two weeks after the fracture, many patients are free to move on crutches.

Rehabilitation after ankle fracture - second stage

The second stage of rehabilitation usually begins after the removal of plaster. The patient in the first few days after removing the plaster on ankle elastic bandage is applied. He walks on crutches, but becomes completely on foot. A week after removal of gypsum can be replaced crutches cane. Prescribe a course of massage, physiotherapy (electrophoresis with potassium iodide, paraffin, UHF, magnetic, etc.) and reflexology Reflexology - a policy of non-drug therapies . Physiotherapy at this stage is carried out in warm water.

During normal recovery, two weeks after removal of plaster mobility in the ankle joint is restored, allowing the patient to move quickly enough with a cane and sometimes without it. During this period, rehabilitation after ankle fracture is dosed walking, gradually running, swimming, cycling.

Two weeks later, the patient can return to work, if it is not associated with prolonged stay on your feet. If the patient is engaged in heavy physical labor, his prescribed work no earlier than one month after removal of plaster.

Moreover, all rehabilitation measures should be appointed based on individual factors such as age, general health of the patient, presence or absence of a concomitant disease. Rehabilitation after ankle fracture should also be carried out strictly according to the doctor's prescription and under the supervision of specialists.

Of great importance is also the correct balanced diet, taking vitamins, macro- and microelements, necessary for the restoration of bone tissue. If the patient meets all prescription, joint gradually recover all its functions in full.

Rehabilitation after ankle fracture - this is a serious process, which will result in full recovery or limbs, or partial violation of its functions. It all depends on how well a patient will follow the recommendations of the doctor.

Galina Romanenko

Joint diseases can dramatically change a person's lifestyle. Because of the severe disorders of the limbs lost the ability to self-service. When this disturbed patient persistent pain, where the conservative treatment is ineffective. Arthroplasty - the only way in most of these situations.

What is total joint replacement

Arthroplasty - a surgical procedure during which the affected parts of the joint are replaced with artificial elements. The operation is performed on the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow and interphalangeal joints.

Prostheses are made from high-strength materials that do not react chemically with the surrounding tissues and harmless to humans. These properties are plastics, ceramics, and metals (stainless steel, titanium and titanium alloys).

If the prosthesis is replaced only part of the joint, this type of joint replacement Endoprosthesis - when the most durable fabric fail   It called unipolar or incomplete. With full (total) to replace the entire joint arthroplasty.

Implants are attached to the bones of two ways: cementless and cemented. In the first case part of an artificial joint fixed by means of bone cement - durable polymeric material which hardens quickly. This method is often used in elderly people with low physical activity, and in patients with osteoporosis Osteoporosis - he threatens you? .

With cementless prosthesis mounting surface covered with a porous material, which further grows bone and fixes the parts of the artificial joint. This method is suitable for young people who lead an active lifestyle. If you follow all the doctor's recommendations, the prosthesis will last about fifteen years. Then, it must be replaced, while cementless attachment to do a lot easier.

When cemented arthroplasty in rare cases, possible separation of the prosthesis. Sometimes there is a degradation of the cement particles, and because of this there is a loosening of joints. Cementless implants do not have this drawback.

After replacement of the affected joint cemented endoprosthesis reduces pain in the early postoperative period, and joint function recovered very quickly. In patients with cementless endoprostheses it takes longer. Bone tissue needs time to grow into the material, which is covered by the endoprosthesis.

Indications and contraindications

Arthroplasty is indicated for lesions of the musculoskeletal system, in which the conservative treatment does not help. Such conditions include:

• Degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the joints;
• Post-traumatic arthritis and dysplastic;
• Ankylosing spondylitis;
• Rheumatoid arthritis Arthritis - a variety of forms and complications ;
• False joints of the shoulder or hip;
• Intra-articular fractures, which are not properly fused;
• Aseptic necrosis of the femoral head.

For this surgery, there are contraindications. Endoprosthesis is not carried out if the patient has any of the following conditions:

• Acute or chronic osteomyelitis;
• Tuberculosis;
• Severe chronic diseases of the cardiovascular or respiratory system;
• Severe liver or kidney failure Kidney failure - when treatment is vital ;
• Neuropsychiatric diseases;
• Endocrine diseases that are difficult to treat;
• Poliallergiya (an allergic reaction to some allergen);
• Hemiparesis (weakening of voluntary movements on one side of the body) on the side where the affected joint.

An elderly patient's age is not a contraindication to surgery. But if you are patient with the severe comorbidities, the surgical procedure is not carried out.

As the operation is performed

Before the surgery, the patient must undergo a full clinical examination, which includes a laboratory and instrumental research, consulting various doctors and inspection of the anesthesiologist, since the surgery is performed under general anesthesia. One day before the joint replacement patients arrive at the hospital.

Before the surgery and after the patient administered antibiotics. This avoids the infectious complications of the surgical wound.

With total hip replacement acetabulum (impression of the pelvis, which, together with the head of the hip joint forms) processed cutters (tool with a large number of blades). During this procedure, the articular cartilage is removed. Then, into the cavity of the prosthesis is implanted in the form of a cup. Hip crossed and then removed together with the head. The second part consists of a prosthesis stem and a head. The femur forms a channel in which the fixed leg and the head of the implant is inserted into the cup. Thereafter, the joint capsule is reduced. When hemiarthroplasty replaced with only the head of the femur. The operation lasts for two to three hours.

Endoprosthesis of the knee, shoulder, elbow and finger joints are also the same shape as healthy joints. This allows you to fully restore the range of motion in the affected limb. Deleted and changed articular surface of the bone, and in their place establish the prosthesis.

At the site of the surgery fixed drainage tube. Thanks to her surgical wound does not collect blood.

After surgery, the patient is administered pain relievers and blood-thinning drugs. The latter is necessary in order to avoid the formation of clots.

The recovery period

Immediately after surgery in the operated joint movement must be limited. When hip replacement is placed between the legs of the roller, which holds the limb in the correct position.

Already in the first day after surgery, the patient is allowed to move in bed. On the second day, you can sit down. The patient should perform breathing exercises and static exercises (contraction and relaxation of certain muscle groups operated limb), it shows that the doctor on physiotherapy exercises. On the third day of walking can be a load on the operated limb, with additional support should be used, such as crutches.

The patient was discharged from the hospital about the tenth day after the arthroplasty. The loads on the operated limb should be limited to two months after surgery, and complete the recovery period is about a year.

Arthroplasty - a modern operation that can completely restore the function of the affected limb. If you comply with all recommendations of the physician and surgeon for physical therapy, the artificial joint will last a very long time.