Fibular Fractures Around the Ankle

Fractures of the fibula around the ankle are common injuries, often resulting from a twisting force or direct impact. These typically involve the lateral malleolus, the part of the fibula that forms the bump on the outer edge of the ankle. Although the fibula is not a primary weight-bearing bone, it plays a crucial role in stabilising the ankle joint.

This page focuses on fractures of the fibula around the ankle. For information on fibular fractures in other parts of the leg, such as the upper or midshaft fibula, please visit our main Fibular Fracture page.

Types of Ankle Fibular Fractures and Mechanism of Injury

The most frequent types of ankle fibular fractures include:

1. Isolated lateral malleolus fractures – affecting the outer ankle bone
2. Bimalleolar or trimalleolar fractures – involving both sides of the ankle and sometimes the back of the tibia
3. Weber A, B, and C fractures – classified by the location of the fracture in relation to the ankle ligaments (syndesmosis)

These fractures usually result from:

1. Rolling or twisting the ankle during activity or walking
2. Sports-related trauma
3. Falls or missteps
4. High-impact incidents such as motor vehicle accidents

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of a fibular fracture around the ankle can include:

1. Sharp pain on the outside of the ankle or lower leg
2. Swelling and bruising around the joint
3. Difficulty walking or standing
4. Tenderness to touch and, in some cases, visible deformity

Diagnosis typically involves:

1. A thorough clinical examination
2. X-rays to assess the fracture type, location, and alignment
3. Advanced imaging (e.g. CT scan) if the joint is involved or the fracture is complex

Treatment Approaches

Treatment depends on the specific fracture. It will either be surgical or non-surgical / conservative management.

1. Non-surgical management for stable, minimally displaced fractures:
   1. Immobilisation with a moon boot or cast
   2. Rest, elevation, and pain control
   3. Limited or non-weight-bearing period using crutches
2. Surgical treatment may be needed for unstable, displaced, or joint-involving fractures:
   1. Internal fixation with plates and screws
   2. Post-surgery rehabilitation to restore strength and mobility

The team at Access Ortho will help arrange surgery if this is required.

Recovery and Prognosis

Most fibular fractures around the ankle heal well with appropriate treatment.

1. Typical healing time is 6 to 10 weeks, with longer recovery for surgical cases
2. Physiotherapy may be recommended to improve ankle function and prevent stiffness
3. Most patients return to normal activities, though minor residual symptoms may persist in some cases

How Access Ortho Can Help

At Access Ortho, we specialise in the prompt assessment and treatment of fibular ankle fractures, ensuring patients receive the proper care without delay. Our team can:

1. Perform a comprehensive assessment and refer for imaging if needed
2. Provide immediate treatment planning, including moon boot fitting and weight-bearing advice
3. Offer ongoing monitoring and rehabilitation guidance
4. Arrange an urgent surgical referral when required
5. No referral is necessary to attend Access Ortho

If you’ve injured your ankle and suspect a fibular fracture, we’re here to help you recover quickly and safely. Access Ortho has fracture clinics in Brisbane and Ipswich that treat fractures, sprains and strains.