Ankle Fractures
What is an ankle fracture?
A fracture is a partial or complete break in a bone. If you have an ankle fracture, this could mean you have a broken ankle. There are a number of types of ankle fractures, and most cause severe pain.
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What are the types of ankle fractures?
Fractures in the ankle can range from
- the less serious avulsion injuries where you may have a small piece of bone that has been pulled off
- the more serious breaks of the tibia, fibula, or both bones
- a stress fracture where the bone gets a crack
- to a bone fracture where the fracture of the bone causes it to change shape
To better understand ankle fractures, it helps to know that you have three bones that make up your ankle joint:
- Tibia – shinbone
- Fibula – smaller bone of the lower leg
- Talus – a small bone that sits between the heel bone (calcaneus) and the tibia and fibula
There are also two joints involved in ankle fractures:
- Ankle joint – where the tibia, fibula, and talus meet
- Syndesmosis joint – the joint between the tibia and fibula, which is held together by ligaments
There are multiple ligaments that help make the ankle joint stable that may also be involved in the injury.
How are ankle fractures diagnosed?
If you have severe ankle pain, it is a good idea to talk to your provider. There are many ankle injuries that range from sprains to fractures, and a trained provider will be able to help you locate and diagnose your injury.
You may be feeling:
- Immediate, throbbing pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Deformity
- Difficulty or pain with walking or bearing weight
Your provider at Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance will conduct a physical examination and ask you about your symptoms. You may need an X-ray, Computed Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or a bone scan to confirm the fracture. This will give you a better look at your ankle to see what bones are involved in the pain.
What is the treatment for ankle fractures?
The treatment for an ankle fracture depends on the severity of the break, location, and the best outcomes.
Not all broken ankles require surgery, but many do require some level of care to heal properly. All treatment options usually require a fairly long recovery time with rest, elevation, and immobilizing of the ankle while it heals.
Rest
If you have a stress fracture or a crack in the bone, you may not need surgery. Our providers commonly recommend a brace, cast, or some type of support for your ankle while it heals. You may need to elevate the ankle regularly and possibly walk around with a boot for six weeks. There are some more serious ankle fractures that do require more serious treatments like surgery.
Reduction
Another treatment option for ankle fractures is called reduction. This is when your provider will manipulate your ankle to have the ends line up to your broken bones. Before this is done, you will receive some local anesthesia to numb your ankle and make sure you feel comfortable. You may need follow-up imaging to see how the bones are positioned and healing.
Surgery (ORIF)
If you have a more severe ankle break, you may need surgery. Ankle fractures are treated with surgery called open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). In ORIF, surgeons open up your injured ankle and line up the ends of your broken bones. They might also install metal plates, wires, or screws to keep your ankle bones stable while the bones heal. Your provider will talk to you about your options and desired outcomes.
Get Expert Care for an Ankle Fracture
If you suspect an ankle fracture, contact Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance today at 414-384-6700 for proper diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Our orthopedic team in Southeastern Wisconsin is here to help.