New Twist on Ankle Surgery -- Research Summary
BACKGROUND: A sprained ankle is a common injury. About 25,000 people experience it each day in the United States. It can happen to athletes, non-athletes, children or adults. A sprained ankle can happen when a person takes part in sports or physical fitness activities, or it can happen when a person simply steps on an uneven surface. The ligaments of the ankle hold the ankle bones and joint in place. They protect the ankle joint from abnormal movements such as twisting, turning and rolling of the foot. A ligament is an elastic structure. They usually stretch within their limits and then go back to their normal position. When a ligament is forced to stretch beyond its normal range, a sprain occurs. A severe sprain causes actual tearing of the elastic fibers. (SOURCE: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
DIAGNOSING AN ANKLE SPRAIN: Doctors may order an X-ray to make sure the patient doesn't have a broken bone in the ankle or foot. If there is no broken bone, the doctor may be able to tell the patient the grade of his/her ankle sprain based on the amount of swelling, pain and bruising. The doctor may need to move the patient's ankle in various ways to see which ligament has been injured or torn. Sometimes, a doctor may order an MRI scan if he/she suspects a very severe injury to the ligaments, injury to the joint surface, a small bone chip, or another problem. The MRI can ensure the diagnosis is correct.
(SOURCE: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
ANKLE GRAFTS: Sometimes, ankle sprains and injuries can lead to chronic problems. Patients with these types of injuries may not benefit from traditional treatments or surgeries. Now, doctors are Duke University Medical Center are offering patients new technology -- a graft made from juvenile cadaver tissue. The graft is surgically placed to fill in "potholes" that patients have in their ankle joints. The idea is for the cartilage to solidify.
(SOURCE: Duke University Medical Center) MORE
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Debbe Geiger
Senior Media Relations Officer
Duke Medicine News and Communications(919) 660-9461
Debbe.Geiger@duke.edu
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