Table of Contents
What is an ankle fracture?
What should I do if I think I may have fractured my ankle?
Ankle fractures can often be mistaken for a sprain. If an ankle sprain does not improve in a day or two, you should be evaluated by a foot and ankle specialist. If you are unable to bear weight on the injured ankle, you will require an X-ray as soon as possible. This can be ordered by your primary care doctor or performed in the office of a foot and ankle specialist pending available appointments. If the injury occurs after office hours or appointments are unavailable, you should be evaluated by an emergency room or urgent care physician.
If there is any visual deformity or lacerations in the skin from the fracture, you should proceed to the nearest emergency room for evaluation and treatment. The ankle may have to be put back into proper alignment if it is dislocated in order to decrease the pressure on the surrounding skin, nerves, and blood vessels. Any lacerations in the skin from the fracture increase the risk of infection and needs to be treated promptly.
Do all ankle fractures require surgery?
What would conservative care treatment consist of?
How are ankle fractures repaired surgically?
The ankle bones are manipulated back into their anatomic position and stabilized. Most ankle fractures treated surgically are stabilized using internal fixation, which consists of screws, plates, and/or pins which are placed in the bone and remain under the skin.
All ankle fractures regardless of treatment modality require routine follow-up with a foot and ankle specialist to monitor progress and ensure the fracture is healing well in the proper alignment.