A broken ankle is the same as a fractured ankle, and these terms are used interchangeably. A broken ankle may range from a small crack in one bone to a complex, unstable injury involving multiple bones and ligaments.
The bones that make up the ankle are the tibia, fibula and talus.
For further information, visit: https://www.accessortho.com.au/ankle-fractures/
Types of Broken Ankles and Mechanism of Injury
Medical staff will refer to names for broken ankles depending on which bone or bones are fractured. The most common ones are:
- Lateral malleolus fracture – outside of the ankle (fibula)
- Medial malleolus fracture – inside of the ankle (tibia)
- Bimalleolar fracture – both sides of the ankle
- Trimalleolar fracture – both sides plus the back of the tibia
- Maisonneuve fracture – involves the upper fibula, at the same time as an ankle injury
The common causes of broken ankles are:
- Twisting or rolling the ankle
- Falling onto a hard surface or tripping on uneven ground
- High-impact trauma, such as sports injuries or motor vehicle accidents
Symptoms and Diagnosis of a Broken Ankle
The common symptoms of a broken ankle are:
- Sudden, sharp pain felt at the time of injury
- Swelling and bruising around the ankle, foot and/or up the leg
- Inability to walk or bear weight
- Visible deformity in more severe cases
If you have any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical care rapidly. Access Ortho specialises in the care of acute injuries such as fractures.
Diagnosis
To ensure an accurate diagnosis, you should seek medical care from a provider skilled in orthopaedics. Your assessment will include:
- A thorough history and clinical examination
- X-rays to assess the fracture type and severity
- In some cases, a CT or MRI scan may be recommended to evaluate complex injuries or ligament damage
Treatment Approaches for a Broken Ankle
Your medical provider will discuss treatment options with you. Treatment for a broken ankle will vary depending on the stability of the fracture and whether the bones are displaced.
Non-surgical treatment (for stable fractures):
- Use of a moon boot or cast
- Short-term immobilisation
- Weight-bearing as tolerated
Surgical treatment may be required for unstable or complex fractures. Surgery typically involves:
- Open reduction and internal fixation (known as ORIF) with screws and plates
- External fixation in select trauma cases
- Post-operative rehabilitation to restore function
If you require surgery, the orthopaedic team at Access Ortho will be able to help you arrange this rapidly.
Prognosis for a Broken Ankle
Most broken ankles will heal with treatment and rehabilitation, allowing you to return to preinjury levels of function. As a guide, healing time is typically:
- 6-8 weeks for bone healing
- 3-6 months for return to everyday activity
- 6-12 months for return to high-level sport
Some patients may experience ongoing swelling or stiffness for several months. With the proper care, long-term complications such as arthritis or instability can be minimised.
Role of Access Ortho in Diagnosing and Treating Broken Ankles
At Access Ortho, we specialise in rapid-access care for patients with broken ankles. At Access Ortho:
- No referral is required – this removes the need to see your GP first
- X-rays can be taken nearby and reviewed immediately by our staff
- Moon boots, splints, or supports can be fitted on-site
- Surgical referrals will be provided where needed
- Regular follow-up care with orthopaedic consultants will be arranged
- Rehabilitation planning and guidance will be given
We aim to get you back on your feet quickly with expert care from injury to full recovery.
Learn more about Ankle Fractures.