Rapid Orthopedic Care

Ankle Fracture

A fracture of the ankle is an injury to one or more of the bones that connect the lower leg to the foot. A fractured ankle can result from many types of trauma. Examples included a twisting injury, a crush injury, or a fall.

The type of fracture depends upon the force of trauma involved in the injury. Some fractures are simple “cracks” in the bone, while other traumatic events result in more severe injuries such as “shattered” bones.

Treatment for a broken ankle depends on details of the bone injuries that have occurred. Mild fractures may require little more than rest and bracing. Severe fractures may require surgical stabilization to align the bones in the best position to heal properly.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

The symptoms of an ankle fracture include acute, throbbing pain, swelling, bruising & redness, tenderness, deformity, and difficulty walking & standing.

Risk factors

The risk factors associated with an increased incidence of ankle fractures include activities associated with high-impact lower extremity activity (fast running, jumping, sudden changes in direction), poor conditioning or training techniques for certain sports, and conditions leading to increased falls (poor vision, loose carpet, etc). Some medical conditions such as osteoporosis, smoking, and obesity are also associated with an elevated risk of ankle fractures.

Complications

While most ankle fractures heal without significant long-term sequelae, some ankle fractures can be associated with complications. Arthritis may affect the ankle joints in the months to years following the healing period. An infection in the bone may occur if the bone was exposed through the skin during the fracture. Damage to the muscles and tendons around the ankle, as well as nerve and vascular (blood flow) damage, may lead to problems immediately after the fracture or following healing. In the immediate phase, severe pain and swelling can occur requiring a release of pressure in the tissues (compartment syndrome), weakness and numbness from nerve injuries, and loss of blood flow from vascular injuries.

Prevention

Ankle fracture prevention is similar to the prevention strategies important in other sports and work injury prevention programs. These strategies include use of the proper equipment (boots, running shoes), training techniques (adequate strengthening, stretching, and conditioning), avoidance of over-training or excessive sports participation. Obesity, diabetes prevention, smoking avoidance or cessation, and osteoporosis prevention and treatment are important medical considerations. Fall prevention techniques are also very important in the prevention of ankle and other fractures among those at risk of falls.

When should I go to ROC for an ankle fracture?

ROC can assist in the diagnosis of an ankle fracture. Orthopedic specialists at ROC will perform a detailed initial assessment, perform X-rays, and begin immediate treatment. Treatments may include analgesics, casting, bracing, or immediate referral for an Orthopedic surgical consultation.

When should I go to the Emergency Room for an ankle fracture?

Seek immediate attention in an Emergency Room if an ankle fracture is associated with a severe deformity of the lower leg or foot, and if there is broken bone protruding through the skin. If the ankle fracture happened in the setting of other severe injuries, such as possible broken ribs, emergency medical care should be performed to assess multiple body systems.