Question: I am 10 weeks post a non-displaced fracture of the distal tip of the right fibula. The ER physician that treated me indicated that I may have some pretty serious ligament damage - but, that the Orthopedic i was referred to would review & discuss it all with me. When i initially saw my Orthopedic, he indicated that it should all heal just fine on it's own. I've been MOBILE & in an air cast for 10 weeks except for it being removed per Dr order @ 8 weeks. I began using for 8 days. Ankle pain & swelling increased each day - worsening each day. I was put back into the air cast & sent for an MRI. The orthopedic told me that I have had previous severe sprains & have now arthritis in my ankle. PRIOR to this injury, I haven't recognized any problem in my ankle, pain or swelling. Today, I returned to hear the results of my MRI. I informed my dr that the last few days the pain had begun circling around from the anterior to the back & inside of my ankle. It is NOT what I would describe as "joint" pain - but, burns - I can describe it as how it burns when a blood vessel breaks & bleeds under the skin - only burns worse & all the way around. Well, I was told that I have arthritis (again) & should go for physical therapy - also received a lidocaine & steroid injection. NOTHING @ any time ever has a tear in a ligament been mentioned. I asked for & received a copy of my MRI Radiology Consultation Report. After leaving the Dr office, I read the report. Here is what it says:
1) marked diffuse circumferential subcutaneous edema throughout the right lower leg & ankle;
2) small non displaced of the distal tip of the right fibula with mild edema in the small fracture fragment;
3) FULL THICKNESS TEAR of the anterior talofibular ligament & a small contusion of the adjacent corner of the talus.
4) mild tenosynovitis of the tibial is posterior & flexor hallucis long us tendons;
5) there is no osteochondral lesion.
I called the dr's nurse & asked her to ask him about the tear in the ligament that had NOT been mentioned to me be cause it concerned me. She said that she SHOWED him the report & told him my concern. She said he said the "sprain" is the same as what is referred to in the report as a "tear" & that he wants me to go ahead & begin physical therapy.
My concern is that it is worsening each day - the burning & spreading over a wider area. Could it be synovial fluid? And, that beginning physical therapy, if there is actually a tear may be detrimental - especially 10 weeks post-injury. I am a 53 year old female that wants full use of my ankle. I've followed my dr instructions, although it has not shown any real improvement, however the bone has healed.
HELP! I need direction.