When Does a Broken Ankle Require Surgery?
The Rockies are snow-capped, ski resorts are starting to open, and residents and visitors of our mountain communities are waxing their skis and edging their boards.
While it may be the time of year when everyone starts watching the snow forecast, the winter season is also when Dr. Elton, a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, begins to see more ankle fractures.
Keep reading to learn more about when surgery may be recommended to ensure a full recovery.
What Causes a Broken Ankle?
The ankle is made up of three different bones:
Tibia (shinbone)
Fibula (the small bone in your lower leg)
Talus (the small bone that sits between the bottom of your tibia and fibula)
A fracture in one or more of these bones during winter is often caused by rolling or twisting the ankle awkwardly or high-force impact from an unexpected crash or hard fall.
What Are the Symptoms of a Broken Ankle?
The first and most obvious sign of a broken ankle is pain, which will vary depending on the severity of the break. Other symptoms include:
Swelling and bruising around the ankle
Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
Tenderness to touch
Deformity in the shape of the ankle
Numbness or tingling in the foot or toes
When Does a Broken Ankle Require Surgery?
All ankle fractures need proper care. Some fractures can heal fully with a cast or boot, while others may need to be surgically repaired. Dr. Elton will consider several factors when determining whether surgery is the best course of treatment, including:
The severity and type of break
The location of the break
The stability of your ankle
Your overall health and activity level
A small, clean break where the bones are still aligned and your ankle is stable can often be treated with conservative measures, which may include:
Immobilization (cast, walking boot, or splint)
Rest (activity modification or the use of crutches)
Ice, compression, and elevation
Over-the-counter pain reliever
Physical therapy
However, if you’ve suffered a more severe break, surgery may be needed to correct alignment, regain stability, and prevent long-term complications, including arthritis. Operative treatment may be recommended when:
There are multiple breaks in the bones
The fractured bones are separated or misaligned (displaced fracture)
A dislocation of the joint accompanies the ankle fracture
There are torn ligaments or tendons, making your ankle unstable
The bones have broken through the skin
Surgery to repair a fractured ankle involves two types of procedures, including:
Open reduction to reposition your bones so that they are correctly aligned
Internal fixation (insertion of plates, rods, screws, or wires) to hold the bones in the correct place
After surgery, the recovery timeline will depend on the severity of your ankle fracture. On average, it takes six to eight weeks to return to normal activities and three to six months to return to sports.
Keep in mind that each person’s recovery journey is unique to them. Dr. Elton will work with you to develop an individualized treatment and recovery plan that helps you return to the bluebird day activities you love most as quickly and safely as possible.
Contact Vail and Summit County’s Leading Ankle Surgeon
If you experience an ankle injury, contact Dr. Elton at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery today. Consistently rated as the top foot and ankle physician in Eagle and Summit County, Dr. Elton is known for his skill, expertise, compassion, and dedication to helping patients get back to the activities they love.
Call (970) 476-7220 today to schedule an appointment. With convenient clinic locations in Edwards, Vail, and Frisco, Team Elton is where you need them most.
If you have questions about an ankle injury or want to schedule a consultation, submit a request using our online form.