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A surgeon discussing Ankle Fracture Surgery options with a patient in Florida
Treatment/Treatment Details

Ankle Fracture Surgery

Ankle fracture surgery restores alignment to broken ankle bones using plates and screws, enabling proper healing and return to normal walking.

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What is Ankle Fracture Surgery?

Ankle fracture surgery (open reduction internal fixation or ORIF) realigns and stabilizes broken bones around the ankle joint. The ankle is formed by three bones: the tibia (shinbone), fibula (outer leg bone), and talus. Fractures may involve one, two, or all three bones.

Surgery is essential when fractures are displaced, unstable, or involve the joint surface. Proper alignment is critical because even small amounts of displacement can lead to early ankle arthritis. At Mountain Spine & Orthopedics, our foot and ankle specialists use precise surgical techniques to restore your ankle anatomy.

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Ankle Fracture Surgery

What does Ankle Fracture Surgery look like?

  1. Surgery is performed under regional or general anesthesia, usually as an outpatient procedure
  2. Incisions are made over the fractured bones (inner and/or outer ankle)
  3. Fracture fragments are reduced (realigned) under direct visualization
  4. Metal plates and screws secure the bones in proper position
  5. The syndesmosis (joint between tibia and fibula) is evaluated and repaired if injured
  6. X-rays confirm proper alignment before closing
  7. A splint is applied initially, transitioning to a cast or boot

What Conditions does Ankle Fracture Surgery Help Ease?

Ankle fracture surgery is indicated for displaced ankle fractures (bimalleolar, trimalleolar), unstable fractures that shift in a cast, fractures involving the ankle joint surface, open (compound) fractures, fractures with syndesmosis injury, and fractures associated with ankle dislocation. At Mountain Spine & Orthopedics, our foot and ankle specialists determine candidacy using imaging and exam.

Benefits of Ankle Fracture Surgery

  • Restores proper ankle alignment critical for long-term function
  • Prevents post-traumatic arthritis from malunion
  • Allows earlier mobilization than casting alone
  • Addresses associated syndesmosis injuries
  • Modern fixation techniques hold the reduction while bone heals

What does post Ankle Fracture Surgery recovery look like?

Recovery typically involves 6 weeks of non-weight-bearing followed by gradual weight-bearing in a boot. Rehabilitation begins once the bone is healing. Most patients return to regular shoes in 10-12 weeks. Full recovery and return to sports takes 3-6 months. Hardware may remain permanently or be removed later if symptomatic. Our team provides structured rehab guidance for optimal outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every broken ankle need surgery?

No. A stable fracture in a well-aligned ankle is often treated in a boot or cast with weight-bearing guided by follow-up X-rays. Surgery is recommended when the fracture is displaced, the ankle joint is unstable, or the syndesmosis - the ligament complex joining the tibia and fibula - has been disrupted, because a joint that heals out of position wears out early.

What is actually done during ankle fracture surgery?

The procedure is called open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): the broken pieces are realigned under direct vision and held with small plates and screws so the joint surface heals in the correct position. If the syndesmosis is unstable, it is fixed with a screw or a flexible suture-button device at the same time.

When can I put weight on the ankle after surgery?

Most patients are non-weight-bearing for roughly 6 weeks while the bone unites, then progress into a walking boot as follow-up X-rays confirm healing. The exact timeline depends on the fracture pattern, the fixation, and bone quality, and is set at your follow-up visits rather than by the calendar.

Will the plates and screws need to come out?

Usually not - most hardware stays in permanently without causing problems. Removal is considered when a syndesmosis screw is due to come out, or when hardware over the bone irritates footwear or skin after everything has healed.

How long does swelling last after ankle surgery?

Longer than most patients expect: mild swelling at the end of a full day can persist for 6 to 12 months after an ankle fracture. Elevation, compression, and a gradual return to activity manage it while the soft tissues remodel.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Ankle fractures require prompt evaluation. Schedule an urgent appointment if you've suffered an ankle injury with significant pain, swelling, or inability to bear weight.

Locations Offering Evaluation

Our board-certified specialists offer ankle fracture surgery evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.

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