Common Ankles Fractures: Types and Treatment Options

In the Eagle and Summit County communities, a fractured ankle can range from a single, simple break in a bone to a spiral fracture that pushes your ankle out of place. The more bones involved in an ankle fracture, the more unstable the ankle becomes.

If not treated properly, an ankle fracture can cause significant, long-term complications down the line.

What Is a Broken Ankle?

The ankle joint is composed of three bones:

1. Tibia (shinbone)

2. Fibula (smaller lower leg bone)

3. Talus (small “ankle bone” that sits between the heel, tibia, and fibula)

Ligaments stabilize the ankle joint by connecting bone to bone, and cartilage lines the areas between bones to provide cushioning. When a bone (or bones) in the ankle joint breaks, resulting in an ankle fracture, the ligaments and cartilage can sometimes be damaged or torn. 

Ankle fractures can be caused by any of the following:

• High-Force Impact: These can be the result of a fall or collision. 

• Rotational Injury: Occurring when the ankle becomes rolled, twisted, or turned during sports or exercise activities. 

• Traumatic Injury: This is classified as a sudden break that occurs during a specific incident.

• Repetitive Stress: When a person participates in a high-impact activity, such as running, the repetitive impact can cause stress fractures. 

Ankle fractures are not age or gender specific. Certain types of fractures may feel like a bad sprain while others cause significant deformity and pain. Other symptoms of ankle fractures include:

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Tenderness

• Instability

• Inability to bear weight  

Because an ankle fracture's symptoms and pain can vary, it’s essential to have every ankle injury evaluated by an orthopaedic physician. 

Common Ankle Fractures (Plus Treatment Options)

Because the ankle joint is made up of three bones, there are several different ways to fracture your ankle. The most common ankle fractures are:

• Lateral Malleolus Fracture: A fracture of the fibula on the outside of the ankle. 

• Medial Malleolus Fracture: A fracture of the tibia on the inside of the lower leg.

• Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture: Two parts of the ankle (malleoli) are broken.

• Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture: The ankle is broken in three place - the lateral, medial, and posterior malleoli. 

• Pilon Fracture: A fracture through the central portion of the lower tibia.

With all of the fractures above, they will either be displaced or nondisplaced. In a displaced fracture, the broken bones are separated or misaligned. Nondisplaced fractures are when the broken bones are in the correct position and alignment. 

Treating an ankle fracture depends on:

1. The type and location of the break

2. Whether the bones are aligned or separated

3. The stability of the ankle joint

When treating an ankle fracture, Dr. Elton’s main goal is to have the bones heal as perfectly as possible. A misalignment of just a few millimeters can cause arthritis later in life or lead to chronic instability. 

If the ankle fracture is mild - meaning stable and nondisplaced - nonsurgical treatment options are possible. Dr. Elton and his team may recommend:

• Splitting

• Casting

• Wearing a removable brace

• Crutches

For fractures where the bones and/or bone fragments are misaligned, surgical treatment may be needed to ensure proper healing and prevent complications that could impact your day-to-day movement.

Finding Ankle Treatment in Frisco, Vail, and Edwards, Colorado

The best orthopaedic care starts with a conversation. Contact Dr. Elton at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics to discuss your specific ankle injury today. Dr. Elton and his team will work with you to create a treatment plan that gets you back to doing the activities you love!

Contact our offices by calling (970) 476-7220 or request an appointment using our online form.