Ankle Fracture: Overview
The three ankle bones are:
the main bone of the lower leg that runs along the inside of the leg
the smaller bone of the lower leg that runs along the outside of the leg
the bone that provides the connection between the leg and the foot
The ankle joint is supported by three groups of ligaments, which provide stability to the joint. A fracture can injure these ligaments as well.
An ankle fracture can occur when the joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion or there is a direct blow to the bone itself. This is caused by trauma to the joint. Trauma includes:
You may increase your chance of suffering an ankle fracture if you have any of these risk factors:
Diagnosis
Symptoms of ankle fractures include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, physical activity, and how the injury occurred. The doctor will also examine the injured area. Tests may include:
X-rays use radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones. It is used to look for a break in the bone.
This is a scan that involves injecting a bone-seeking nuclide into a vein and then performing a scan of the area. The test locates places in the bone where unusual amounts of bone repair activity are occurring.
Treatment Options
Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. Treatment involves:Devices that may be used to hold the bone in place while it heals include:
The doctor may prescribe pain medication depending on the level of pain. Your doctor will order more x-rays while the bone heals to ensure that the bones have not shifted position.
When your doctor decides you are ready, start range-of-motion and strengthening exercises. You may be referred to a physical therapist to assist you with these exercises. Do not return to sports activity until your ankle is fully healed. It takes at least six to eight weeks for even a simple ankle fracture to heal. It will be several months before you can return to intense physical activity.
Prevention
To help prevent ankle fractures:
