An ankle fracture, or broken ankle, occurs when one or more bones in the ankle joint — comprising the tibia (shinbone), fibula (the smaller bone in the lower leg), and talus (the link between the leg and foot) — are broken. The severity of the fracture depends on the number of bones involved, with more severe fractures potentially requiring surgery and a recovery period of several weeks.
A fractured ankle can range from a simple break in one bone, which may not affect one’s walking, to multiple fractures that can be highly disabling. Severe fractures can prevent weight-bearing on the ankle for a few months, impacting mobility and daily activities such as walking, driving, playing sports, and working.
Ankle fractures are painful, temporarily disabling, and, if not adequately treated, can lead to long-term complications. If you experience severe ankle pain and suspect a fracture, promptly seek medical attention from a qualified medical professional, such as an orthopaedic specialist, for proper diagnosis and treatment.
These bones form the ankle’s bony structure, with the medial malleolus (inner side of the tibia) and lateral malleolus (outer side of the fibula) acting as stabilizers. Additionally, a network of ligaments connects the bones and helps prevent ankle sprains or fractures during sudden movements.
The tibia and fibula are crucial in forming the ankle joint, each contributing specific structures that support stability and movement.
These components work together to support the ankle’s range of motion and protect it from injuries like ankle fractures and sprains. Understanding these anatomical parts is essential in diagnosing and treating ankle injuries effectively.
Ankle fractures can vary widely due to the complex structure of the ankle joint, which includes the tibia, fibula, and talus bones. Common types of ankle fractures include:
Lateral Malleolus Fracture: The most common type involving a break in the lower portion of the fibula on the outer side of the ankle.
Medial Malleolus Fracture: A break in the lower portion of the tibia on the inner side of the ankle.
Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture: Involves fractures of the ankle’s lateral malleolus (outer side) and medial malleolus (inner side).
Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture: Involves breaks in three parts – the lateral malleolus, medial malleolus, and the posterior malleolus (back part of the tibia).
Pilon (Plafond) Fracture: A severe break in the top part of the ankle where it bears weight, usually from a fall from height or other serious injury.
The severity of ankle fractures increases with the number of fracture lines, with trimalleolar and pilon fractures carrying a higher risk of long-term joint damage and arthritis. Fractures are also classified by bone displacement:
Ankle fractures typically result from rotational injuries, where the ankle is twisted, turned, or rolled during activities like hiking, running, or playing sports. High-force impacts, such as those from falls or motor vehicle accidents, can also cause fractures.
Fractures that occur suddenly during a specific incident or injury are known as traumatic ankle fractures. In contrast, repetitive stress or impact over time can lead to stress fractures. Stress fractures can occur when an individual starts a new high-impact activity like hiking, running, or field sports or when an active person rapidly increases their activity level, such as training for a marathon.
Determining whether ankle pain is due to a fracture can be challenging. Furthermore, the extent of the injury, including the number of broken bones, can only be confirmed by a healthcare provider. However, some of the symptoms that could indicate a broken ankle include:
Pain and swelling may be localised to the ankle, spread to the foot, or up toward the knee.
Individuals with fractured ankles will likely experience sharp, intense, and localised pain in the ankle area. The degree of pain may vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the individual’s pain tolerance.
Several factors contribute to the risk of sustaining an ankle fracture in Singapore, which may include:
Doctors generally start by assessing a patient’s medical history and injury record. They then examine the patient’s ankle, lower leg, and foot before ordering one or more imaging tests if an ankle fracture is suspected. Imaging tests that may be required include:
If a patient’s test results show a fractured ankle, they should consult an orthopaedic specialist for medical advice. While not all fractures require surgery, those that do should be treated promptly by a skilled orthopaedic surgery specialist.
Inappropriate or poorly executed surgery can lead to additional corrective procedures and, over time, may result in ankle instability, arthritis, or even the need for an ankle replacement. Early and correct intervention is crucial for preserving the ankle joint in the long term.
Individuals with ankle fractures risk developing infection, arthritis, nerve or blood vessel damage, and foot deformities, potentially leading to permanent difficulty in walking normally. Medical intervention is crucial as some fractures are unlikely to heal in good alignment without it.
Treatments for a broken ankle will vary depending on the specific bone broken and the severity of the injury. They may involve a range of non-surgical and surgical procedures, medications, and therapy.
Treatment Procedure Options:
Ankle fractures involve breaks in the bones of the ankle joint, ranging from simple to complex. If untreated, they can lead to complications like chronic pain, arthritis, deformity, instability, and difficulty walking. Treatment options vary but may include rest, immobilisation, or surgery to promote proper healing and prevent long-term issues.
If you experience immediate and severe pain in the ankles, schedule an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist, like Dr Jerry Chen, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at ALPS Orthopaedic Centre, for a thorough evaluation and timely treatment.
While it’s not always possible to prevent ankle fractures, such as those caused by accidents, specific measures can help reduce the risk, such as wearing appropriate sportswear, strengthening muscles, and being cautious during physical activities.
Walking on a broken ankle is difficult and painful and can also risk displacing the fractured bone fragments.
Yes, with proper treatment and rehabilitation, many people can lead their normal everyday lives after ankle fractures.
Ankle fractures can recur, but proper management and prevention strategies can help reduce the likelihood of this happening.
MBBS (S’pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)
Fellowship-trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director
At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we specialise in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). Performed as a Day Surgery, the ERAS Direct Anterior Approach in Total Hip Replacement (THR) technique as well as ERAS Total Knee Replacement (TKR), reduces the average hospitalisation stay, utilising techniques which enable the patient to suffer from less pain and recover faster. We are an Orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, which specialises in ERAS and do our utmost to enable patients to return to everyday activities as early as possible.
Our Orthopaedic clinic provides specialised diagnosis and effective treatment of musculoskeletal problems, especially Day Surgery / Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) For Hip and Knee Surgery, Sports Injuries and Trauma Fractures. If you are considering hip or knee surgery or minimally invasive treatments, book an appointment with our experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.
Our aim is to boost patient well-being, optimising every aspect of the surgical journey. By minimising the recovery period, patients are able to go back to activities that they love. The Alps team offers comprehensive financial counselling sessions to ensure our patients understand their options and make informed decisions regarding their treatment plans.
MBBS (S’pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)
Fellowship-trained Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director
At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we specialise in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). Performed as a Day Surgery, the ERAS Direct Anterior Approach in Total Hip Replacement (THR) technique as well as ERAS Total Knee Replacement (TKR), reduces the average hospitalisation stay, utilising techniques which enable the patient to suffer from less pain and recover faster. We are an Orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, which specialises in ERAS and do our utmost to enable patients to return to everyday activities as early as possible.
Our Orthopaedic clinic provides specialised diagnosis and effective treatment of musculoskeletal problems, especially Day Surgery / Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) For Hip and Knee Surgery, Sports Injuries and Trauma Fractures. If you are considering hip or knee surgery or minimally invasive treatments, book an appointment with our experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.
Our aim is to boost patient well-being, optimising every aspect of the surgical journey. By minimising the recovery period, patients are able to go back to activities that they love. The Alps team offers comprehensive financial counselling sessions to ensure our patients understand their options and make informed decisions regarding their treatment plans.
MBBS (S’pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)
Fellowship-trained Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director
At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we specialise in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). Performed as a Day Surgery, the ERAS Direct Anterior Approach in Total Hip Replacement (THR) technique as well as ERAS Total Knee Replacement (TKR), reduces the average hospitalisation stay, utilising techniques which enable the patient to suffer from less pain and recover faster. We are an Orthopaedic clinic in Singapore, which specialises in ERAS and do our utmost to enable patients to return to everyday activities as early as possible.
Our Orthopaedic clinic provides specialised diagnosis and effective treatment of musculoskeletal problems, especially Day Surgery / Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) For Hip and Knee Surgery, Sports Injuries and Trauma Fractures. If you are considering hip or knee surgery or minimally invasive treatments, book an appointment with our experienced Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.
Our aim is to boost patient well-being, optimising every aspect of the surgical journey. By minimising the recovery period, patients are able to go back to activities that they love. The Alps team offers comprehensive financial counselling sessions to ensure our patients understand their options and make informed decisions regarding their treatment plans.