Ankle Injuries

Ankle fractures are some of the most common fractures that occur.  Often from a significant twisting injury to the ankle, but can also occur with direct trauma to the ankle.  It is important to treat ankle fractures properly to not only allow the fracture to heal correctly, but prevent future issues such as ankle arthritis.

Cause

The cause of an ankle fracture is typically from a twisting injury to the foot and ankle or from a trauma like a car accident or a fall.

Anatomy

The ankle is made up of the lateral malleolus (bone on the outside from the fibula), medial malleolus (bump on the inside from the tibia), and together with the distal end of the tibia and the talus, make up the ankle joint.  The lateral malleolus or fibula is the most commonly fractured bone in the ankle.  The stability of an ankle fracture depends on the number of fractured bones as well as the integrity of the ligaments in the ankle.

Imaging

X-rays are used to diagnose a fracture and often times a stress x-ray will be obtained to evaluate the stability and integrity of the ligaments of the ankle.

Treatment

The stability of the ankle will determine treatment.  If the fracture is isolated to the fibula and the ligaments on the medial side (inside portion) of the ankle are intact, surgical is not typically required.  If the medial ligaments are completely disrupted or there is also a fracture of the medial malleolus (inside part of the ankle), then surgery is often required to stabilize the ankle and allow the fracture to heal and help prevent further issues such as arthritis in the future.  Surgery to stabilize the ankle typically requires 1 to 2 incisions in which a metal plate and screws are used to fix the fracture.

Recovery

Bone typically takes about 6 weeks to completely heal.  It will be important to discuss the stability of your fracture as this determines if you can put weight on you foot or not.  After the bone heals, it is important to regain range of motion and strength and slowly return to active activities.