Ankle Fracture

An ankle fracture is any break or crack in one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint. Mr Hester has extensive experience treating ankle fractures from his role at King's College Hospital Major Trauma Centre, managing the full spectrum from simple to complex injuries.

Symptoms

• Pain, swelling, or visible deformity around the ankle
• Difficulty or inability to bear weight
• Open (compound) fractures present with a wound and deformity

Non-Surgical Treatment

Suitable for stable, non-displaced fractures. Treatment includes pain relief, rest, and immobilisation in a cast or boot depending on fracture stability.

Surgical Treatment

Required if the fracture is displaced or unstable. The surgical approach and fixation method depends on the fracture pattern and which bones are involved. Plates, screws, or other fixation devices may be used to realign and stabilise the fracture.

Clinical Images

Rehabilitation

• 2 weeks: Foot elevated the majority of the time
• Most patients can fully weight-bear with crutches by 6 weeks
• Boot worn full time until dressings are removed
• Wound review and suture trim at 2 weeks
• Physiotherapy begins at 2 weeks
• Swelling resolution may take 3–6 months
• Aim to return to sport at 6–9 months

Time Off Work

• Seated job: 2–3 weeks
• Standing job: 6–8 weeks
• Heavy lifting job: 6 months

Driving

It is recommended you do not drive whilst in a boot or cast.

Surgical Risks

General risks: Infection, wound healing problems, nerve injury, blood clots (DVT), anaesthetic complications.

Specific risks: Ankle stiffness, non-union (bone doesn't heal), mal-union (bone heals incorrectly), failure of metalwork, need to remove metalwork.