Tib Fib Fx And Dislocated Ankle. Recommended Surgery. Can Tib Fib Fx Heal In Cast?

Posted on Fri, 12 Jul 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 12 Jul 2013 Answered on

Tue, 20 Aug 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Ortho question. I stepped off of a curb almost a month days ago. Tib Fib Fx, dislocated ankle. Reduction on ankle in Ortho office and splint. Recommended surgery for Fx. I have EXTREME Anxiety and do not want the surgery if I have an option. Can a tib fib fx heal in a cast? I am in a splint, I consulted PCP who said cast was no better than splint and there was a possibility of loosing the use of my leg without surgery for plate and screws. I am Totally Terrified of anesthesia. And I don't have insurance..

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A fracture of both the bones tibia and fibula is best if it is fixed internally with the help of surgery. Applying cast will not provide a long lasting reduction that is necessary for proper healing.
Non surgical treatment can cause malunion, non union and a chronic pain in the ankle joint. It is best to go ahead with the surgical treatment for best results.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar