Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 7/24/2009

Question
I went to the ER on monday night and was told my ankle was fractured - however the doctor I was referred to says the x-ray only shows a break that is 9 years old.  I have never broken my ankle before that I know of - how can this doctor tell how old a break is from an x-ray?

Answer
Hi Teresa,

It would be hard not to know if ankle was broken or not, generally they are very painful and you cannot put weight on the leg.

If it was in fact broken it may have been a hairline fracture for instance.

The doctor can tell if there was a previous injury to your ankle through x-rays by seeing a build up or increase of bone/calcium around the area.

To say it was approximately 9 years old however would be a tough call unless he had access to other records from previous admissions.

A experienced individual could however come close to a time frame by looking at the maturity of the callous that has developed around the area.

I hope this helps.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.