Treating Ankle Fractures

Casting the fracture

To make sure the bone is lined up the right way, an X-ray is taken. Then the ankle is put in a cast to hold the bone in place during healing. You’ll likely have to wear the cast for several weeks. For less severe fractures, a walking boot, brace, or splint may be all that’s needed to hold the bone in place during healing.

Closed reduction

If you have a clean break with little soft tissue damage, closed reduction  may be used. This means that no cuts (incisions) are made in the skin. Before the procedure, you may be given medicine to relax your muscles. Then your healthcare provider manually readjusts the position of the broken bone.

Open reduction

Open reduction and internal fixation is a surgical procedure which may be needed for displaced fractures, fractures that involve the joint, or open fractures. (An open fracture is one in which the bone has poked through the skin.) Your surgeon makes one or more cuts (incisions) to realign the bone and fix soft tissue. You will be given medicine during the procedure to let you sleep and relax your muscles. Screws or plates may be used to hold the bone in place during healing.

The road to healing

Once your fracture has been treated, your healthcare provider will tell you how to help it heal. You may be told to limit ankle use or weight-bearing activities. You may have to take medicines and elevate the foot. If you have a cast, remember to keep it dry.