Tests required to confirm surgery, which can be done in our clinic within 1 day: ankle X-ray and CT.
Get your surgery for free by claiming a refund from your local health board. The clinic helps patients with the documents needed to claim a refund after following the EU directive route for medical treatment abroad. It applies to patients who are insured under the systems of one of the EU countries and may not get the surgery due to long waiting times.
Tests required to confirm surgery, which can be done in our clinic within 1 day: ankle X-ray and CT.
Get your surgery for free by claiming a refund from your local health board. The clinic helps patients with the documents needed to claim a refund after following the EU directive route for medical treatment abroad. It applies to patients who are insured under the systems of one of the EU countries and may not get the surgery due to long waiting times.
Get your surgery for free by claiming a refund from your local health board. The clinic helps patients with the documents needed to claim a refund after following the EU directive route for medical treatment abroad. It applies to patients who are insured under the systems of one of the EU countries and may not get the surgery due to long waiting times.
Our clinic works with highly professional and educated surgeons. They have 10-20 years of experience in the field of orthopaedic surgery. They each perform 500 surgeries per year. Moreover, our surgeons are members of various prestigious surgical societies both Lithuanian and international. Our joint replacement surgeon S. Tarasevicius is an author of 150 scientific publications in different medical journals. Find more information about our surgeons here.
Our clinic works according to the highest standards set by the European Union. This helps to guarantee the quality of medical service.
During your entire stay in Lithuania you will receive personal care as well as transport to and from the clinic, hotel, and airport. You will not have to worry about a thing. You will be assisted from the moment of plane landing in Vilnius or Kaunas airport till your departure.
We have no waiting line so we can schedule your surgery as soon as you are ready to do so.
Everyone in our clinic speaks English, including nurses, assistants and the surgeon.
2-3 hour regular flights operate from all main airports in the UK & Ireland. Lithuania is closer than you thought. You can find the list of direct flights here. Please note that airlines constantly add new flights and new destinations, therefore feel free to contact us if you need help choosing the flight that suits you best.
Lithuania has been a part of the EU and NATO since 2004. Lithuania has one of the fastest growing economies in the whole region and the second fastest internet speed in the world. Lithuanian medical schools have trained many medical professionals who are highly appreciated and employed by many foreign hospitals, among which hospitals in the UK. Our clinic works according to the highest standards set to the medical institutions by the European Union.
Our clinic is open and operates in accordance with all safety requirements. All the procedures are implemented as usual. You can read about the latest COVID-19 updates here.
Malleolar fractures are injuries to the ankle bone. The malleolus is an anatomical structure that can be felt as a bony prominence on each side of the ankle. The ankle is prone to injuries because a lot of pressure and stress is put on the lower leg while actively moving. Malleolar fractures are usually caused by falls, twisting of the foot and ankle, or a direct blow to the ankle. Those who are severely obese, doing professional sports, have a history of smoking, or have previous fractures, are more likely to suffer from malleolar fractures. The most common symptoms of malleolar fractures are excessive pain when the area is touched, swelling or deformities of the ankle, bony tenderness, bruising, or instability when walking.
Malleolar fractures are diagnosed after taking a medical history, performing a physical examination, and diagnostic imaging tests. Doctors first ask a patient about the location of the pain and the mechanism of injury. Then follows an examination of the ankle stability, ability to bear weight, and skin integrity (determining if the fracture is open or closed). Diagnostic imaging tests include x-ray and CT scans. Ultrasound may be used to evaluate soft tissue injuries.
Malleolar fracture management depends on the type of bone injury. Conservative treatment is indicated for stable fractures (the broken bones are lined up) with no damage to the lateral ligaments. The non-operative approach is also chosen when patients are unfit for surgery, for example having significant swelling of the ankle.
First-line treatment includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as naproxen or ibuprofen, and temporary immobilization in a cast or splint. Patients are encouraged to keep the leg elevated above the heart level and use crutches when walking.
Surgery is indicated for displaced or unstable malleolar fractures. The management is addressed through two main types of surgery:
A good malleolar fracture surgery candidate is someone with a displaced or unstable ankle fracture. Because surgery involves an open approach and internal or external fixation of the bones, the soft tissues must be in a good condition, meaning not swollen or inflamed. Patients with poorly controlled diabetes, impaired blood circulation, or significant swelling, may not be eligible for the surgery.
Malleolar fracture surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, meaning that a patient is put to sleep and does not feel pain or discomfort. The surgery takes approximately 2 hours to complete. The exact surgical approach depends on the type, location, and number of bone fractures.
During an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery, an orthopaedic surgeon makes an incision to access the fractured bones. Then he repositions the bone fragments into their normal position and uses screws and a plate to fixate and keep them in place. The surgeon may use a bone graft to act as a scaffolding for the new bone to grow.
During an external fixation surgery, an orthopaedic surgeon uses special medical drills to make a few holes into the undamaged areas of bone around the fracture. Then, he screws the special bolts into the holes and joins them with the rods outside of the body. This supportive structure is called an external fixator and it can be adjusted to ensure proper alignment of the bones.
Malleolar fracture surgery is known to provide a satisfying surgical treatment. However, postoperative complications may happen despite the effort of the surgeons and medical personnel. The possible complications include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, blood clots, the bones remaining out of position, and irritation of the adjacent tissues. Reoperation is occasionally required to ensure complete pain relief and full improvement of functions.
Generally, bones heal in approximately 6 to 12 weeks. The screws and plates may remain in the ankle or can be taken out during a second surgery in about 4 to 6 months after the initial surgery. Patients have to wear a cast or a splint and walk with crutches for around 6 to 10 weeks. If the external frame was used, it can be taken out in the doctor’s office without anaesthesia. Extended protection is needed after the removal of the external fixation device because fractures have been known to occur at the drill sites. The patients have to avoid putting weight on the treated ankle for 4 to 10 weeks (depending on the severity of the trauma). Daily activities, like driving, can be resumed in 3 to 4 months, but rigorous sports should be postponed for up to a year.
After surgery, patients stay in the clinic for at least 24-48 hours. During this time, our medical team takes diligent care of a patient. Pain and discomfort is managed with intravenous medications, so the patient rests and recovers without discomfort. The operated leg is kept non-weight-bearing and elevated when possible to minimize swelling.
After 3 weeks post-op, patients begin physical therapy which is a crucial part of a successful recovery. The exercises focus on joint mobilization techniques, gait training, and soft stretching. The goal of this recovery stage is to gain independence with a home physical therapy programme and exercise daily to improve the range of motion and gait.
The goal of this recovery stage is to gain good balance and control on the involved leg and return to all daily activities (not sports). The exercises include single-leg activities, resistive exercises, and weight-bearing.
Provided all recovery goals are met, the patient may gradually return to low-impact sports (e.g. cycling, rowing, or swimming). In 4 to 6 months patients may progress to high impact or contact sports (e.g. basketball, tennis, or boxing).