In complex cases, where detail evaluation of the ligaments is required an MRI scan is recommended. This test is employed to check the stability of the fracture to decide if surgery is necessary or not. In some cases, pressure is applied on the ankle and then special X-rays are taken. Usually it is very difficult to differentiate a broken ankle from other conditions such as a sprain, dislocation, or tendon injury without having an X-ray of the injured ankle. The diagnosis of the ankle injury starts with a physical examination, followed by X-rays and CT scan of the injured area for a detailed view. Syndesmotic injury, also called a high ankle sprain, is usually not a fracture, but can be treated as a fracture.Trimalleolar fractures in which all three lateral, medial, and posterior bones are fractured.
Bimalleolar fractures in which both lateral and medial malleolus bones are fractured. Posterior Malleolus fracture in which the posterior malleolus, the bony hump of the tibia, is fractured. Medial Malleolus fracture in which the medial malleolus, the inner part of the ankle, is fractured. Lateral Malleolus fracture in which the lateral malleolus, the outer part of the ankle is fractured. The different types of ankle fractures are: Types of fracturesĪnkle fractures are classified according to the location and type of ankle bone involved. In cases of severe fracture, deformity around the ankle joint is clearly visible where bone may protrude through the skin. In some cases, blood may accumulate around the joint, a condition called hemarthrosis. With an ankle fracture, there is immediate swelling and pain around the ankle as well as impaired mobility. CausesĪnkle fractures occur from excessive rolling and twisting of the ankle, usually occurring from an accident or activities such as jumping or falling causing sudden stress to the joint. The ankle joint is stabilized by different ligaments and other soft tissues, which may also be injured during an ankle fracture. Ankle fracture is a painful condition where there is a break in one or more bones forming the ankle joint. Pain after ankle injuries can either be from a torn ligament and is called ankle sprain or from a broken bone which is called ankle fracture. The joint is protected by a fibrous membrane called a joint capsule, and filled with synovial fluid to enable smooth movement.Īnkle injuries are very common in athletes and in people performing physical work, often resulting in severe pain and impaired mobility. The ends of the fibula and tibia (lower leg bones) form the inner and outer malleolus, which are the bony protrusions of the ankle joint that you can feel and see on either side of the ankle. The ankle joint is composed of three bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus which are articulated together. Ankle braces and supports, ankle taping, a focused neuromuscular training program, and regular sport-specific warm-up exercises can protect against ankle injuries, and should be considered for patients returning to sports or other high-risk activities.Home // Patient Info // Foot & Ankle // Conditions // Ankle Fractures Ankle Fractures Because a previous ankle sprain is the greatest risk factor for an acute ankle sprain, recovering patients should be counseled on prevention strategies. Pain control options for patients with ankle sprain include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, and mild opioids. Early mobilization speeds healing and reduces pain more effectively than prolonged rest. Patients should wear a lace-up ankle support or an air stirrup brace combined with an elastic compression wrap to reduce swelling and pain, speed recovery, and protect the injured ligaments as they become more mobile. Patients with ankle sprain should use cryotherapy for the first three to seven days to reduce pain and improve recovery time. According to the Ottawa criteria, radiography is indicated if there is pain in the malleolar or midfoot zone, and either bone tenderness over an area of potential fracture (i.e., lateral malleolus, medial malleolus, base of fifth metatarsal, or navicular bone) or an inability to bear weight for four steps immediately after the injury and in the emergency department or physician's office. 
Physicians should apply the Ottawa ankle rules to determine whether radiography is needed. Most ankle sprains are inversion injuries to the lateral ankle ligaments, although high sprains representing damage to the tibiofibular syndesmosis are becoming increasingly recognized. Ankle sprains are a common problem seen by primary care physicians, especially among teenagers and young adults.
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