The ankle is a hinge joint that connects the foot to the lower leg. The bones, namely the tibia, fibula, and talus, along with surrounding connecting tissue, play a major role in aligning and stabilizing the ankle. A dislocated ankle joint is rarely an isolated injury; it is more often seen with a fracture of bones that make up the ankle joint. Read on to know more about ankle dislocations, different types, symptoms, and treatments.

What is an ankle dislocation?

A dislocation occurs when the bones that are supposed to form the ankle joint are no longer able to do so. Since the tibia and talus bear a majority of the weight, a dislocation typically means that these cannot perform their normal function. In most cases, dislocated ankles are fractures at the distal ends of the tibia and fibula and damage to the ligaments that help support the joints.

Causes of ankle dislocation

Ankle dislocations do not just spontaneously occur; some external trauma usually causes them. Usually, it is a result of some external force on the ankle, causing the bones to break and the ligaments to tear. The direction of the dislocation is directly related to the direction of the external force and the foot’s position. Common risk factors of ankle dislocations include falls, vehicle accidents, or sports injuries.

Different types of ankle dislocation

There are many different types of ankle dislocation injuries based on how the force is directed and the movement of the bones. These include:

Posterior dislocation

Posterior dislocations occur when the talus moves backward in relation to the tibia. This is the most common type of ankle dislocation.

Anterior dislocations

Anterior dislocations are where the talus is pushed forward, and the foot is fixed with the toes pointing upward. The force is usually from the front of the foot, and it moves the tibia forward.

Lateral dislocations

Lateral ankle dislocations happen when the ankle is either twisted, inverted, or everted.

Superior dislocation

Superior dislocations occur when the talus is jammed upward into the space between the tibia and fibula. This type of dislocation is usually called a pilon injury. It results from landing on one’s feet from a long fall or can also occur in car accidents when the foot is pressed against the brake pedal.

Symptoms of ankle dislocations

There are many symptoms of ankle dislocation. One of the first signs is pain. Individuals who have dislocated their ankles may experience extreme pain and may find it difficult to stand or walk. They may also notice swelling and bruising in the same area. Another common sign of ankle dislocation is numbness in the foot. This is usually a result of damage or inflammation of the nerves at the joint. Depending on the type of injury, ankle dislocations can also lead to associated injuries and pain in the foot, knee, and back.

Ankle dislocation diagnosis

The first step of diagnosing an ankle dislocation is taking note of the present symptoms. Healthcare professionals usually ask about the circumstances of the injury and take health history into account. Then, they perform a physical examination. This involves putting pressure on specific areas while examining the foot and knee to find other connected injuries. Doctors then check the blood vessels in the leg to ensure that there is no hindrance to blood flow. Doctors suggest an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI to confirm their diagnosis.

Treatments for ankle dislocation

The treatment for ankle dislocation is to return bones back to their normal state. Doctors can do this with some gentle push and pull in most cases. However, sometimes doctors may have to sedate and relax the surrounding muscles. Based on the type and severity of the injury, doctors may suggest emergency surgery, a cast or a boot, or even painkillers. Surgery is usually performed to put bones back in place and let them heal correctly. They may also use plates and screws to keep the bone in place. In some cases, doctors also prescribe blood thinners to prevent blood clots in the leg during the recovery period.