Avulsion Fracture Treatment in India

Sarah Shah, a 28-year-old high school...

Sarah Shah, a 28-year-old high school art teacher and avid rock climber, felt a sharp pop in her right ankle while bouldering. She had landed awkwardly after a short fall onto the crash pad. The immediate, intense pain and swelling on the outside of her ankle made walking impossible. An X-ray at urgent care revealed an avulsion fracture of her lateral malleolus, where a ligament had pulled a small piece of bone away from the fibula. The orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Evans, explained that while many such fractures heal with immobilization, Sarah's fragment was significantly displaced. He recommended a minor surgical procedure called open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to realign and secure the bone fragment with a small screw, crucial for restoring ankle stability for her active lifestyle. Sarah was anxious about surgery and feared she might never climb again. The outpatient procedure went smoothly. Post-surgery, she spent six weeks in a non-weight-bearing cast, followed by physical therapy. The recovery was frustratingly slow, testing her patience. However, after four months of diligent rehab, she regained full strength and stability. She recently returned to the climbing wall, starting with easy routes. Sarah's emotional journey shifted from fear and frustration to immense relief and a renewed appreciation for her body's resilience, though she now approaches her sport with more mindful caution.