Div 13Ankle injuries

Division 13—Ankle injuries

Comment about appropriate level of ISV for items 136 to 139 The appropriate ISV for the vast majority of ankle injuries is 1 or 2.

Extreme ankle injury

•	A transmalleolar fracture of the ankle with extensive soft tissue damage causing 1 or more of the following:
(a)	severe deformity with varus or valgus malalignment;
(b)	a risk that any future injury to the relevant leg may lead to a below‑knee amputation of the leg;
(c)	marked reduction in walking ability with constant dependence on walking aids;
(d)	inability to place the relevant foot for even load‑bearing distribution.
•	An ankylosed ankle in a severely misaligned position with severe ongoing pain and other debilitating complications
•	Whole person impairment for the injury of more than 20%

•	A failed arthrodesis
•	Regular disturbance of sleep
•	Need for an orthosis for load bearing and walking

Serious ankle injury

An injury requiring a long period of treatment, a long time in plaster or insertion of pins and plates, if— (a) there is permanent significant ankle instability; or (b) the ability to walk is severely limited on a permanent basis

•	Unsightly scarring
•	The significance of any malunion
•	A requirement for modified footwear
•	Whether, and to what degree, there is swelling following activity

An ISV under this item will be applicable if there is whole person impairment for the injury of 10—19%

Moderate ankle injury

A fracture, ligamentous tear or similar injury, as evidenced by imaging and causing moderate disability, for example— • difficulty in walking on uneven ground • awkwardness on stairs • irritation from metal plates • residual scarring

An ISV in this range will be appropriate if there is whole person impairment for the injury of 6—9%

Minor ankle injury

A sprain, ligamentous or soft tissue injury or minor or undisplaced fracture

•	Whether the injured person has fully recovered from the injury, and if not, whether there is any tendency for the ankle to give way
•	Whether there is scarring, aching or discomfort