An ankle fracture is a break in the ankle joint. The joint is made up of three bones that make up:
The ankle joint is supported by three groups of ligaments. An injury that causes a fracture may also damage one or more of these ligaments.
Ankle Fracture
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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. Any form of ankle trauma may cause injury, including:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease, condition, or injury. Risk factors include:
Symptoms include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms, physical activity, and how the injury occurred, and examine the injured area.
Tests may include x-rays. They use radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones.
Treatment will depend upon 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. 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 the doctor says your ankle is fully healed and you have near normal motion and muscle strength.
It takes at least 6-8 weeks for even a simple ankle fracture to heal. It will be several months before you can return to intense physical activity.
To help prevent ankle fractures:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society
http://www.aofas.org/
BC Association of Podiatrists
http://www.foothealth.ca/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
Ankle and Foot. National Guideline Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://www.guideline.gov . Accessed June 16, 2008.
Broken Ankle. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00151 . Accessed June 16, 2008.
Broken Ankle. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society website. Available at: http://www.aofas.org/ . Accessed June 16, 2008.
Last reviewed September 2009 by Robert E. Leach, MD
Last Updated: 9/30/09