An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. These usually involve the tibia (shinbone), fibula (the smaller outer leg bone), and sometimes the talus (the bone between the leg and heel). Ankle fractures are common injuries and can range from a small crack in the bone to more complex breaks involving multiple fragments or movement of the joint.
How Does an Ankle Fracture Happen?
Ankle fractures are usually caused by trauma, including:
Depending on the force and direction of injury, the fracture may affect:
Common Symptoms
Diagnosis
Prompt assessment is important to reduce the risk of long-term problems such as stiffness, instability, arthritis or chronic pain.
Diagnosis usually includes:
Early diagnosis helps guide the most appropriate treatment and supports the best possible recovery.
Treatment for an ankle fracture depends on the type and severity of the break, how well aligned the bones are, and whether the joint surface is involved. It also takes into account the patient’s overall health, activity level, and personal goals.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Stable fractures, where the bones remain well aligned, can often be treated without surgery. This approach aims to protect the bone while it heals and then restore normal function.
This typically involves:
Physiotherapy is a key part of recovery and helps reduce the risk of stiffness, weakness and future injury.
Surgical Treatment
Unstable or displaced fractures, where the bones are out of alignment or the joint surface is affected, usually require surgery. This may also be recommended if the fracture is not healing as expected or if the ankle remains unstable or painful.
Modern ankle fracture surgery is often minimally invasive, using small incisions and image guidance to accurately realign the bones. Fixation is achieved using:
Benefits of minimally invasive techniques include:
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Following surgery, most patients begin gentle movement exercises early, with progression to weight-bearing guided by their specialist. Rehabilitation is essential to restore full function, strength and confidence.
With appropriate surgical care and structured rehabilitation, outcomes are generally excellent. Many patients are able to return to normal daily activities and sport within a few months, depending on the severity of the injury.
