What to Know About an Ankle Avulsion Fracture

Ankle Avulsion Fracture Treatment & Information

Whether you are an all-star running down the court to score the last point to make a winning game, you are hurt working at a construction site or even in a slip and fall accident at your local grocery store, an ankle avulsion fracture is a serious injury.

An ankle avulsion fracture is a bone chip caused by a ligament or tendon that tears away a part of the bone. The severity an ankle avulsion fracture can result in anything from a minor issue to something that requires surgery. It is important to see your doctor as soon as the accident takes place to prevent more damage.

After you have spoken to your doctor, you may want to speak with an avulsion injury attorney. Contact us today at 888-804-5044, or use our online form, and allow us to determine if you are entitled to reimbursement for lost wages, medical expenses, out-of-pocket expenses, or pain and suffering.

Ankle Avulsion Fractures: Understanding the Details

There are many different kinds of avulsion injuries, but an ankle avulsion fracture is a specific type of avulsion injury with specific needs. An ankle avulsion fracture typically involves the distal ends of the tibia, fibula, or both bones. The tibia is located on the inner, or medial, side of the leg and is known as the shinbone. Some tibia fractures can also be located at the rear of the ankle or leg and are known as posterior malleolar fractures. The fibula is on the outer, or lateral, side of the leg. Both the tibia and fibula avulsion fractures can be equally as painful and need immediate medical attention.

Ankle Avulsion Fracture Facts & Treatment

These fractures are commonly caused by the ankle being twisted inward or outward. Symptoms of an ankle avulsion fracture may include:

  • Swelling at the site of the injury, which could be through the entire leg or localized at the specific location
  • Pain extending anywhere from the foot to the knee
  • Bruising or blisters (which needs to be treated promptly by an orthopedic doctor)
  • An inability/difficulty walking on or putting pressure on the affected leg

Treatment of an ankle avulsion fracture can range drastically. Some avulsions need as little as ice, rest, and a bandage for immobilization, while others may be extreme enough to warrant several surgeries, recovery time, and physical therapy. Recovery times can vary drastically based on the severity of the injury. The only way to tell what treatment and recovery time is right for you is to seek medical advice.

You can expect a physical exam from an orthopedic doctor and either an x-ray or MRI from a radiologist or  your doctor will decide whether the injury needs rest and ice, a splint, a fracture boot immobilizer, or surgery, and whether or not you can bear weight on the ankle avulsion fracture. It is possible that you may need to come back for several follow up treatments, further exams, or possible physical therapy.

How Much Is an Ankle Avulsion Fracture Worth?

It is impossible to determine how much any injury is worth because every case is different. If your fracture is a result of neglect or carelessness on another party’s behalf, it is important to know that you have the option to seek out compensation. An ankle avulsion fracture is a significant legal injury, and can result in compensation for monetary losses from lost wages or current / future medical bills amongst other things.

Below are some examples of New York area cases involving an ankle avulsion fracture claim (often with other injuries), which resulted in compensation for the claimant. These cases have been handled by various law firms throughout the state and are provided for information only:

  • FLYNN vs. KEITH. – $150,000 Settlement
    • The plaintiff contended that she sustained a fracture to the right side of the distal end of the fibula and an avulsion fracture to the talus on the same leg.
  • SANTOS vs. TOODLE LOU RESTAURANT ET AL. – $125,000 Verdict
    • The plaintiff contended that as a result, she tripped and fell on the last step, suffering an avulsion fracture of the left lateral malleolus.
  • DANIEL RUSSO FROM NYC. CARRATTINI vs. MABSTOA. – $800,000 Verdict
    • The plaintiff contended that he suffered a severe avulsion injury to the entire circumference of the left ankle, including the heel area, and fractures to the distal tibia on both legs.
  • GORMAN v. MATHEW – $ 534,950 Verdict
    • James Gorman, an adult male, allegedly suffered a comminuted fracture of the right ankle and calcaneus, an avulsion fracture of the distal and lateral tip of the lateral malleolus, a degenerative change of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, an inability to ambulate and sleep properly, right greater trochanteric bursitis and permanent disability with an inability to return to work when the vehicle he was driving east was struck by defendant Stacy Mathew, who pulled out from a parking lot into his path.
  • E.Z., PRO AMI v. RODINA; DAVYDOV – $35,000 Settlement
    • A 14-year-old female pedestrian, reportedly suffered an avulsion fracture of the left lateral malleolus and bone bruises of the talus and distal fibula when she was struck in a crosswalk at an intersection.
  • BILAL v. NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT AUTHORITY – $75,000 Settlement
    • A 44-year-old male janitor suffered an avulsion fracture of the ankle, requiring arthroscopic surgery and resulting in an arthritic condition and a limp, when he tripped and fell in a subway station operated by the defendant transit authority.
  • ISAACS v. FERTILE CRESCENT STREET CORP; PAOLA & SONS CONSTRUCTION V. BAYSIDE STRUCTURAL CORP. – $167,126 Verdict
    • A 52-year-old male construction worker suffered a chip avulsion fracture of the right ankle when he fell eight feet from a scaffold at a construction site.
  • PAGAN v. CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD, U.N. DEVELOPMENT CORP., U.N. PLAZA HOTEL, HYATT INTERNATIONAL CORP. V REMCO MAINTENANCE – $702,983 Verdict
    • A 20-year-old metal polisher sustained bimalleolar avulsion fractures of one ankle when a scaffold he was standing on collapsed.
  • SANTOS vs. TOODLE LOU RESTAURANT ET AL. – $125,000 Verdict
    • The 40-year-old female plaintiff contended that the concrete stairway at the restaurant owned by the defendant landlord and rented by the defendant tenant was defective because of uneven risers, uneven tread width, and the absence of handrails. The plaintiff contended that as a result, she tripped and fell on the last step, suffering an avulsion fracture of the left lateral malleolus.
  • WIEMOKLY v. CABLE; WIEMOKLY – $92,308
    • A 19-year-old female suffered an avulsion fracture of the right ankle when the vehicle in which she was a passenger was involved in a head-on collision with the female defendant’s vehicle.

Contact an Ankle Avulsion Fracture Lawyer

An ankle avulsion fracture can be stressful and very taxing on both your health and your wallet. If you have any questions or would like further assistance with your ankle avulsion fracture case, do not hesitate to call us at 888-804-5044 and a avulsion injury attorney will be happy to help guide you through the process.