Ankle dislocation: what is it?

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An ankle dislocation occurs when a bone in the ankle joint is displaced. Usually resulting from trauma to the ankle joint, a dislocation is a painful injury that requires immediate medical attention. Treatment generally involves surgery and a recovery period of up to six months.
The ankle joint is made up of three main bones: the tibia and fibula, both located in the leg, and the talus, located in the foot. When a dislocation occurs, one or more of these bones may be out of joint. A pure ankle dislocation is a rare occurrence. Ankle dislocations usually occur in conjunction with a fracture or sprain.

A variety of situations can contribute to the occurrence of an ankle dislocation. Individuals involved in sports, such as soccer, gymnastics, or hockey, often experience dislocations while training, competing, or playing. Ankle dislocation can also occur during a fall, such as a fall down stairs. Trauma such as a direct blow to the ankle area, which is more than the joint can handle, can result in dislocation.

An individual whose ankle has been dislocated will experience symptoms immediately. Not only will the ankle begin to swell and bruise, but the individual may not be able to put weight on the ankle as much as they would when standing. In cases where the nerves are pinched, the individual’s foot may tingle and become numb. To prevent further damage, the ankle should not be moved while waiting for medical attention. Ice should be applied to the area to relieve pain and swelling and prevent fluid buildup.

During a physical exam, the treating doctor typically orders an X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An X-ray is used to assess the extent of damage to the ankle joint, determine the location of the dislocated bone or bones, and rule out the possibility of fractures. MRI is used to evaluate the extent of soft tissue damage surrounding the dislocation.

Treatment for ankle dislocation generally involves surgical relocation of the joint. Once the joint has been repositioned, screws and pins are used to hold the bones in place for proper healing. After two to three months, the screws and pins are removed or, in extreme cases, the instrumentation can be permanent. Recovery after surgery usually takes four to six months. If surgery is not done, it can take about a year for the dislocation to heal.

Ankle dislocations can be prevented with the use of ankle supports, braces, or other protective devices. Allow enough time to warm up before any activity to prevent dislocations. Once an individual experiences an ankle dislocation, he or she may be more susceptible to future ankle problems. Complications associated with ankle dislocations include infections, ligament calcifications, and arthritis.

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