Foot & Ankle Fractures - Orange County
X-ray showing fibular fracture above the level of the ankle joint with significant lateral displacement of the talus (ankle bone). Orange County, CA.
The long-term goal of treating a foot or ankle fracture in Orange County is to maintain stability and function, along with decreasing the chances of arthritis in the future.
Foot and Ankle Fractures in Orange County
There are 26 bones in the foot, all of which can be fractured. There are different types of fractures. Sometimes a bone breaks, but stays in place (non-displaced). Sometimes a bone breaks into two pieces that move apart from one another (displaced). Other types of fractures include a bone that is broken in multiple places (comminuted) and a bone that breaks through the skin after fracturing (open fracture).
If you injure your foot or ankle, our foot and ankle surgeon in Orange County will take X-rays to see if you have a fracture. Depending on the nature of your injury, other advanced imaging may also be obtained. Not all fractures require surgery; therefore you will work together with our foot and ankle surgeon to determine the best treatment option for your personal needs. Our Orange County Podiatrist / Foot and Ankle Surgeon can evaluate and treat your foot or ankle fracture at our Irvine, CA, Huntington Beach, CA, Newport Beach, CA, or Orange, CA offices.
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Foot Fractures in Orange County:
If you do require surgery for your foot fracture, our Orange County Podiatrist will review the best procedure to address your needs. After a full review of your medical history and an assessment of your injury and future goals, you will develop a sound surgical plan. The goal of surgery is to restore the fractured bones to their anatomical position, provide stability to the fracture site, maintain a stable foot, reduce pain, attempt to return you to normal activities, and reduce the risk of arthritis in the future.
When is surgery needed in Orange County?
While every fracture is different, generally if there is significant displacement or instability in the area of the fracture site surgery may be required. Fractures directly affecting the function of the foot (e.g. moving of the joints), are also likely to require surgery. Returning the bones as closely as possible to their pre-injury position is likely to maintain foot function and decrease the risk of post-traumatic arthritis.
In some cases, surgery may be appropriate for non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures if the fracture has a high likelihood of not healing (non-union), affecting the position of your foot while weight bearing, or becoming unstable without surgical intervention. An example of a fracture, which is frequently addressed surgically even with minimal displacement is a 5th metatarsal base (Jones) fracture. Our Orange County Foot and Ankle Surgeon will work with you to determine your individual needs based on your activity level and future goals.
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Ankle Fractures in Orange County
The upper part of the ankle joint comes from the tibia (shin) and the fibula (outer leg). The tibia forms the front, rear and inner part of the ankle joint. The lower fibula forms the outer part of the ankle joint. The ends of these bones are called malleoli. There are two malleoli on the tibia (medial and posterior) and one on the fibula (lateral).
Ankle fractures occur when the malleoli are broken. These fractures are very common. Ankle fractures can happen after falls, car accidents or twisting of the ankle. One, two or all three malleoli can be broken.
Symptoms of an ankle fracture in Orange County are pain, swelling, bruising and problems with ankle motion. X-rays help show which need treatment from a surgeon.
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Not all ankle fractures require surgery. Stable, minimally displaced fractures are frequently treated non-operatively with casting or a removable cast boot. Unstable or displaced fractures generally require surgery. Dr. Coyer, Orange County Foot and Ankle Surgeon, is an expert in foot and ankle trauma surgery, having significant experience in both non-operative and operative treatment of foot and ankle fractures. Together we will determine the best treatment option for your injury and individual needs.
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For a complete description of commonly treated foot & ankle fracture types in Orange County, please visit the Our Services page or see the links below:
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Please contact our office in Irvine, Orange, Newport Beach, or Huntington Beach in Orange County, CA to make an appointment with our foot and ankle surgeon / podiatrist (Dr. Coyer) to have your foot or ankle injury in Orange County fully evaluated.