Ankle fractures are an unfortunate consequence of a severe trip or fall. Each injury is unique so treatment should be customized for each injury.
Ankle Fractures
Ankle fractures damage the bony stabilizers around the ankle joint. In many cases, surgery is needed to realign and fix these stabilizers, so they heal in the positions they were in before they broke.
A small number of ankle fractures do not require surgery. But when the bones have shifted, surgery can improve the patient's outcome.
Surgery for ankle fractures often utilizes a customized combination of stainless steel or titanium plates, screws, or rods. Sometimes flexible suture devices may be needed as well. These devices may be positioned on the outer, inner, or back portions of the ankle joint.
The technology for ankle fracture surgery continues to improve patient's outcomes. Minimally invasive techniques and flexible fixation are becoming more common.
