Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeon
FRACTURES | LAS VEGAS
Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas, Nevada
The ankle joint is formed by the distal tibia, distal fibula, and talus. The medial and lateral malleoli form a mortise that contains the talus. Stability of the ankle mortise depends on the integrity of the fibula, the medial malleolus, and the ligamentous structures connecting them. When fractures disrupt the mortise, surgical fixation is required to restore ankle stability.
Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic and Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas evaluates each fracture individually to determine the most appropriate fixation strategy based on fracture pattern, bone quality, and patient goals.
Displaced ankle fractures that disrupt the ankle mortise require surgical fixation to restore joint congruity and prevent post-traumatic arthritis. Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic and Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas evaluates each ankle fracture to determine appropriate timing and technique for surgical repair.
Dr. Andrew Lee repairs ankle fractures at Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas using plate and screw fixation appropriate to the fracture pattern. The fibula is fixed with a lateral plate or intramedullary device. The medial malleolus is fixed with screws. The posterior malleolus is fixed when its size and displacement warrant fixation. Restoration of the ankle mortise to its anatomic dimensions and alignment is the primary goal.
Recovery depends on fracture severity, fixation achieved, and patient factors. Dr. Andrew Lee at Nevada Spine Clinic in Las Vegas provides individualized rehabilitation guidance to optimize bone healing and functional recovery.
Weight bearing restrictions and activity timelines are determined at follow-up appointments based on fracture healing progress on imaging.
Pain decreases progressively as healing occurs over six to twelve weeks. Functional recovery continues for three to six months following surgery. Dr. Lee monitors healing with imaging at regular follow-up visits.
Most patients return to independent daily activity within six to twelve weeks, with full recovery over three to six months depending on fracture complexity and patient factors.
No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.
Follow all wound care instructions at discharge. Avoid soaking the incision in water until cleared by Dr. Lee. Pat the wound dry after showering and apply a clean bandage.
Monitor the incision for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage and contact Nevada Spine Clinic immediately if any of these occur. Prescription refills require forty-eight hours advance notice.
Follow the specific weight bearing restrictions provided by Dr. Lee. These are individualized to your fracture pattern and the fixation achieved at surgery. Do not bear weight beyond prescribed limits until cleared at follow-up.
Contact Nevada Spine Clinic or go to the nearest emergency room for fever, sudden increase in pain, inability to bear weight as previously tolerated, or wound concerns.
No bathtub, swimming, or hot tub until cleared by Dr. Lee.
Dr. Andrew Lee, MD | Nevada Spine Clinic, Las Vegas
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