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What Does My Ankle X Ray Report Indicate?
Question: I have 2 xray reports related to a broken ankle, one report a week after fall/break and one 6 weeks later. (On crutches with gradual increase of wt on ankle - with air cast on 24/7 for 6 weeks.) I do not know what the xray reports are telling me. My dr. is out of country. Can I ask what certain phrases on xray report mean? thank you.
Brief Answer:
New undisplaced fracture of tip of lateral malleolus suspected.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
I'm Dr. Sudhir Kumar,
After going through your query and attached report I concluded that you have transverse undisplaced fracture with intraarticular extension at the base of proximal phalanx (one of the bones) of little toe. There is avulsion type fracture on the anterolateral corner of calcaneum (bone of the feel). Displacement of both these fracture are similar as in previous x ray. So I would not be worried about it.
Bony unions are not expected to be seen at 6 weeks on X-ray.
Besides this radiologist has suspected another fracture at the tip of lateral malleolus (ankle) which is also undisplaced. He has requested for bone scan for confirmation.
But since all the fractures are undisplaced, there is nothing to worry. You can continue partial weight bearing in air cast until the next appointment. Elevate the limb on pillow during sleep and resting hours. Active toe movement is advisable. Analgesics can be taken for pain relief. Fosomax 70 mg per week can be continued for osteoporosis.
You can discuss with your treating Doctor about it.
Hope I have answered your query.
If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
You can also write to me directly on below link:
https://www.bit.ly/askdrsudhirortho
Wishing you good health.
Take care.
New undisplaced fracture of tip of lateral malleolus suspected.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.
I'm Dr. Sudhir Kumar,
After going through your query and attached report I concluded that you have transverse undisplaced fracture with intraarticular extension at the base of proximal phalanx (one of the bones) of little toe. There is avulsion type fracture on the anterolateral corner of calcaneum (bone of the feel). Displacement of both these fracture are similar as in previous x ray. So I would not be worried about it.
Bony unions are not expected to be seen at 6 weeks on X-ray.
Besides this radiologist has suspected another fracture at the tip of lateral malleolus (ankle) which is also undisplaced. He has requested for bone scan for confirmation.
But since all the fractures are undisplaced, there is nothing to worry. You can continue partial weight bearing in air cast until the next appointment. Elevate the limb on pillow during sleep and resting hours. Active toe movement is advisable. Analgesics can be taken for pain relief. Fosomax 70 mg per week can be continued for osteoporosis.
You can discuss with your treating Doctor about it.
Hope I have answered your query.
If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
You can also write to me directly on below link:
https://www.bit.ly/askdrsudhirortho
Wishing you good health.
Take care.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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