Weber A or avulsion fracture ankle (Folder)

Chirurgie Orthopedie Spoedeisende Hulp / Spoedpost
Michelangelolaan 2
5623 EJ Eindhoven

040 - 239 91 11
Catharina een Santeon ziekenhuis

Weber A or avulsion fracture ankle (Folder)

You have a fracture of the ankle (Weber type A) or a ‘pull-off’ fragment of one of the bones in your foot (avulsion fracture). These fractures are similar to a torn ankle ligament and are treated similarly.

Summary

  • You have a fracture of the ankle or a small ‘pull-off’ fragment of one of the bones in your foot
  • This type of injury almost always heals well without any loss of function.
  • A routine follow-up is not necessary for this type of injury.
  • It is important that you keep your ankle elevated as much as possible during the first week, this will reduce the swelling.
  • Wear the brace as soon as the swelling has sufficiently decreased. After three weeks, try wearing the brace less often, if your pain allows you to do this.
  • You can find exercises for your ankle in this folder or in the app in the App store (iPhone) or Google Store (Android). See QR-code for more information online.
  • If you have any questions, or are experiencing problems with your recovery, you can call the “breuklijn” (fracture hotline) (+31) 040 239 96 40 on workdays between 9.00 and 12.00.

Treatment

A Weber A or avulsion fracture of the ankle is a common injury. The fracture is treated with a tubigrip (an elastic sock) and an ankle brace. Crutches can be bought at the hospital.

Time Treatment
0-1 week Tubigrip.
Wear the brace as soon as the swelling has sufficiently decreased to allow you to do this (usually after 3-4 days).
1-3 weeks Wear the tubigrip and brace.
3-6 weeks Try wearing the brace less often, as soon as your pain allows this.
After 6 weeks You may start sports.

Instructions

Follow these instructions for a good recovery.

  • You can combine wearing the ankle brace and a sturdy shoe, for example a shoe used for hiking. You can stand on the foot as long as the pain allows you to do this.
  • You can gradually reduce the use of the brace after 3 to 6 weeks. You can find instructions on how to reapply the brace in the app.
  • It is important to elevate your ankle. Does the brace feel more tight? Elevate the ankle, for example, by putting it on a chair. The swelling will reduce, and the pressure and pain will decrease.
  • The fracture is close to the joint. Start moving the ankle as soon as possible, to prevent the ankle from getting stiff. You can find exercises in the app or in the information folder. It is important not to do the exercises if your pain does not allow this.
  • For the first six weeks, you should not practice any sports. After six weeks, you may start sports if your pain allows you to do this. You can wear a brace during sports if necessary.
  • Are you in pain? Use a mild pain killer such as paracetamol (acetaminophen). Do not wait with the use of paracetamol until the pain is too much.

Recovery

  • This type of injury almost always heals well with time and use – no specific treatment is required and routine follow-up is not necessary.
  • Physiotherapy is not necessary. If you are not satisfied with the function of your ankle after 6 weeks, you can contact a physiotherapist. The app contains exercises to recover better.
  • Does the pain increase, or does it not improve? Please contact the “Breuklijn” (fracture hotline, see below).

Reapply the brace

If you want to reapply the brace, you can find instruction in the app.

Exercises Weber A or Avulsion Fracture Ankle

After a fracture of your ankle, stiffness, loss of strength and loss of coordination may occur. The following exercises can be performed to support your recovery. 

When to start and what to do

You can start doing exercises after four weeks. Start with non-weight bearing exercises. This means that you perform exercises without standing on your foot. When you are able to successfully perform these exercises, you can start with weight-bearing exercises. Only exercise as pain allows.

Follow the instructions below:

  • Practice at least 3 times a day and repeat each exercise 10 times
  • You can perform the exercises in warm water if preferred
Non-weight bearing exercises

Non-weight bearing exercises can be divided into passive and active exercises.

Start with the passive exercises and then continue with the active exercises.

  • Passive exercises: bend, straighten and move the ankle with your hands.
  • Active exercises: without using your hands, tighten the calf and foot muscles, bend, straighten and move the ankle in all directions.
Weight bearing exercises

Weight bearing exercises can also be divided into passive and active exercises. Again, start with the passive exercises and then continue with the active exercises.

  • Passive exercises: sit down and do the stretching exercises using your body weight, as shown in the images below.
1. Place your foot far from the chair and try to place your heel on the ground. 2. Slide your foot closer to the chair and try to put your heel back on the ground. Pull your foot closer until you feel a mild-moderate stretch.
  • Active exercises: stand up and do the stretching exercises using your body weight, as shown in the pictures below.
1. Place your healthy foot in front. Stretch your injured ankle as far as possible. 2. Place your injured foot flat on the ground.

 

3. Place your healthy foot behind your injured foot. 4. Stretch your injured ankle as far as possible.
Other exercises

It is important to practice standing correctly on the affected leg, as pain allows. Walking starts with being able to stand on one leg. Also try to use the ankle as normally as possible again, as pain allows. Every step you take is a step closer to a normal gait.

Questions? Please call us!

If there are any questions after reading the information, please contact the Breuklijn at 040 239 96 40 between 09.00 and 12.00.

In case of an emergency or problems that cannot wait until the next weekday, please contact our emergency department at 040 – 239 96 00

Contact

Catharina Ziekenhuis Eindhoven
040 – 239 91 11
www.catharinaziekenhuis.nl

Breuklijn (Fracture hotline)
(+31) 040 239 96 40 (on workdays 9.00 – 12.00h)

Route numbers and other information about our emergengy department can be found at: www.catharinaziekenhuis.nl/spoedeisende-hulp

App Virtual Fracture Care

In our app you can find more information about your injury. You can also find exercises here to improve your recovery. You can find the app in the Appstore (iPhone) and in the Google Store (Android).

You can also scan the QR-code. You will then automatically be directed to the app.


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