Broken Ankle Open Reduction and Fixation Abroad

Ankle fractures are common injuries of the lower extremity. Since the ankle is a major load-bearing joint, disruption of the normal structure is debilitating and painful.

A lot of skill is required from the orthopedic surgeon to set the ankle right. A broken ankle is the chief indication for an open reduction surgery. If left untreated, the ankle can become very painful and may lead to arthritis.

Open reduction abroad for broken ankle presents many advantages like significant cost savings along with superb quality of medical treatment in countries like India, Mexico, Costa Rica and other medical tourism destinations.

There are various kinds of ankle fractures like talus fractures and eversion fractures, depending on the area of the ankle impacted, and the cause of the fracture. The operation method is determined by the type of fracture.

Certain patients may not be eligible for ankle reduction surgery. Those suffering from the following conditions can not be operated upon:

• Peripheral vascular disease

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Diabetes mellitus

• Poor health

• Old age

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Open wounds

• Infections

• Paraplegia

• Debilitated mental status (A patient must understand that he/she cannot do any load-bearing activity for at least 12 weeks after the operation.)

Open Reduction Surgery for Broken Ankle – Procedure Overview

Open reduction surgery may involve, either internal or external fixation. Internal fixation refers to the procedure of fitting screws and metal plates inside the body, whereas in external fixation, a metal rod is bolted through the skin onto the un-damaged areas of the bone around the fracture.

The surgery is done with epidural, spinal, or general anesthesia. The skin is exposed with incisions on either or both sides of the ankle. The pieces of the broken bone are brought together and held with a metal plate. Screws are then drilled through the metal and the bone to hold them in place as the bone heals. The skin wound is then closed up with stitches and the ankle set in a plaster cast.

Ankle Open Reduction Aftercare

• Your orthopedic surgeon will give you detailed instructions on the ankle movements you can do and when you can start doing them.
• Your hospital stay after the operation may extend to 2-3 days.
• For the first two weeks after the operation, you should elevate your leg, when not walking, else, the ankle well swell up.
• Ankle fractures will take anywhere between 6-12 weeks to heal. You will not be able to work during this time if your work is manual. But if your work is sedentary, you can get back to work in about three weeks time, provided you do not have to drive to work and back.
• You will have to use a crutch or a walker during the healing period.
• Though you will be able to walk around and climb stairs, going outdoors is not advised. Hence, you must have someone who will do your grocery for you.
• Do not wet your plaster cast. Do not put things inside it.
• If you feel a lot of pain in your ankle or toes, consult your doctor.
• About 6 weeks after the operation, you will be taught foot/ankle strengthening exercises by your physiotherapist.

Risks or Complications of Open Ankle Reduction Surgery

• Infection
• Deep Vein Thrombosis
• The fracture may not heal. In such cases, further surgery is required.

Open Reduction Abroad for Broken Ankle

Open reduction surgery for ankle injuries must be done as soon as possible to prevent circulatory impairments and neuropraxia. Thus, time is of the essence.

People without insurance or people who may have to be in a waiting list for the surgery(like in the UK or Canada) find it quite convenient and cheap to have their open ankle reduction surgery abroad in India, Mexico, or Costa Rica.

The orthopedic surgeons in medical tourism hospitals in India, Mexico, Costa Rica are highly skilled and very experienced, thanks to the sheer number of cases they handle. They speak English and routinely treat medical tourists.

The overseas hospitals in India, Mexico, Costa Rica and other medical tourism destinations are JCI-accredited, or ISO-certified, or sometimes both. Some leading hospitals also have collaborations with reputed medical centers in the US or UK. Hence, the satisfaction of patients going abroad for open ankle reduction surgery is high.

Related links:

Ankle Fusion Arthrodesis
Bunionectomy
American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society

Ankle Surgeons in Mexico:

Dr Dario E Garin: Educated in the USA and Mexico, Dr Garin is an expert orthopedic surgeon from Mexico experienced in joint reconstruction and arthroscopy.

Dr. Jesus Irineo Gallarzo Ramirez: He has vast experience in joint replacement surgery and has many satisfied patients from the U.S.

Ankle Surgeon in Costa Rica:

Dr. Oscar Oeding Bermudez: A third of Dr Bermudez’s clients are medical tourists from the US, Europe, and Canada. This orthopedic surgeon from Costa Rica performs three or four surgeries in a day.

Orthopedic Surgeons in India:

Dr Kaushal Malhan: Dr Malhan has seven years of training and work experience in the U.K. Dr. Malhan has performed hundreds of joint replacement surgeries. He also has several medical publications to his credit.

Dr Sanjay Pai: He has more than 18 years of experience in orthopedic surgery. Dr Pai has trained in the U.S., U.K., and Australia.

Dr P Suryanarayana: He has had extensive education and experience in India and abroad. Dr Suryanarayana is an expert in primary and revision joint replacement.

Dr Yash Gulati: He has trained in the U.K. and Ireland apart from India. Expert in joint replacement surgery.

Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates affordable open reduction surgery for broken ankle abroad at many international locations including Mexico, India and Costa Rica. Fill out the free estimate request form for a free quote and more information.