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Open ankle fracture in a diabetic performed with minimal to no incision

March 31, 2026

Open ankle fracture in a diabetic performed with minimal to no incision using a external fixation device along with regenerative medical therapy.

 

Many diabetic patients have ankle fractures. These can be extremely debilitating to the individual. Use of internal hardware can cause detrimental problems to these individuals. They may develop severe infection and/or Charcot foot deformity. At the Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Institute, we specialize in minimal incision surgery for diabetic and open ankle fractures along with regenerative medical therapy, and you can review Dr. Singh’s background and training for these complex cases here.

 

 

                   

Note that the patient has a severe open ankle fracture. The x-ray on the left A, B and C show the leg bone in the tibia and the fibula completely exposed to the air with the foot bones 90 degrees to the leg. The only thing that is holding the patient’s leg is soft tissue.  This is a medical and surgical emergency. Because this is a open ankle fracture there is a high probability of having osteomyelitis. There is also a high probability of a below the knee amputation.

 

At the Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Institute we specialize in Diabetic Limb Salvage. We use very minimal to no incisions to apply a multiplanar external fixator. This device is able to hold and restore the fracture components. This is done without making any incisions.

 

The x-ray (above) on the right shows anatomical alignment of the severe fibular fracture, tibial fracture and ankle dislocation.

 

                    

 

The picture on the left shows the open ankle fracture and wound loosely approximated with sutures.  The photograph on the right shows the external fixator apparatus on the individual.

 

 

 

 

Final x-rays after the removal of the external fixator shows complete restoration of the severe ankle fracture dislocation in the diabetic patient. The patient was able to ambulate without any difficulties without any recurrences. Throughout the incidence of the surgical procedure and postoperative follow-up there was no signs of any infection.

 

At the comprehensive foot and ankle Institute we specialize in diabetic limb salvage minimal incision surgery as well as regenerative medical therapy that can help benefit the patient’s tremendously.

 

Only an expert at foot and ankle surgery can do this.

 

Do not go to an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon. They are butcher’s. They will destroy your foot. The state of Illinois is infected with these group of individuals. There are many in the Chicago area.  Be aware of such atrocities that can happen

About the Author

Dr. Sutpal Singh, DPM, FACFAS

Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Dr. Sutpal Singh is a third-generation physician and double board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with over 30 years of experience. A UCLA honors graduate in Biochemistry, he completed his medical education at the California College of Podiatric Medicine and surgical residency at VA West LA. Dr. Singh holds advanced fellowship training from the Russian Ilizarov Scientific Centre, Duke University Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University, and Columbia Presbyterian — specializing in complex reconstruction, minimal incision surgery, and peripheral nerve surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS) and a certified specialist in Regenerative Podiatric Medicine. At the Comprehensive Foot and Ankle Institute in Hoffman Estates, IL, Dr. Singh offers innovative alternatives to traditional surgery — including stem cell therapy, Class IV laser therapy, and shockwave treatment — with a focus on restoring mobility and quality of life.