How Should You Manage a Painful Ankle Malunion in a 61-Year-Old?

Описание: How Should You Manage a Painful Ankle Malunion in a 61-Year-Old?

In response to a compelling LinkedIn post about a 61-year-old female patient with a painful ankle malunion after surgery, we take you through one of those classic—but complex—follow-up challenges in orthopedic trauma care.

The patient was transferred after an ankle fracture fixation done at a different facility. She’d injured herself on a coastal walk and underwent surgery the very next day. Months later, she now presents with persistent pain while walking, despite having good skin condition, intact neurovascular status, and preserved ankle range of motion. But what really stood out was a clear hindfoot valgus deformity.

That’s where the community jumped in.

One specialist raised the critical point of needing to analyze pre- and post-op CTs—not just to evaluate current damage, but also to reflect on whether we’re catching surgical risks early enough in these systems. Another colleague flagged the shortened fibula and called for a bone block distraction arthrodesis and possible STJ correction, even suggesting specific wedge implants and screw fixation strategies to restore alignment and stability.

From another expert came a more cautionary approach: with arthritis already settling in, maybe it’s time to consider a one-and-done strategy—fusion or even total ankle replacement. Yet others saw a potential for salvage: restoring fibular length, disimpacting the plafond, reassessing the syndesmosis, and only touching the medial malleolus if truly necessary.

The consensus? There wasn’t one. But the shared insight underscored a universal truth: malunions are rarely “simple,” and successful management relies just as much on thoughtful planning and intra-op assessment as on hardware and technique.

At Staffingly Inc., we stand with orthopedic teams facing these daily challenges. Our healthcare outsourcing services—from surgical coordination to clinical staffing—are here to support outcomes, especially when the path forward isn’t so clear-cut.

If these real-world discussions help sharpen your perspective, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more orthopedic insights and healthcare solutions that truly support your practice. Staffingly’s got your back every step of the way.

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿
For informational purposes only; not applicable to specific situations.
For tailored support and professional services,

please contact Staffingly, Inc. at (800) 489-5877
Email : [email protected].

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