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)
受过研究员培训的骨科顾问外科医生兼医务主任
阿尔卑斯矫形外科中心(Alps Orthopaedic Centre)擅长 "术后强化恢复"(ERAS)。作为一种日间手术,ERAS 直接前路全髋关节置换术(THR)和ERAS 全膝关节置换术(TKR)减少了平均住院时间,采用的技术使病人痛苦更少,恢复更快。我们是新加坡一家专门从事 ERAS 的骨科诊所,竭尽全力让患者尽早恢复日常活动。
我们的骨科诊所提供肌肉骨骼问题的专业诊断和有效治疗,尤其是髋关节和膝关节手术、运动损伤和外伤骨折的日间手术/术后加强康复(ERAS)。如果您正在考虑进行髋关节或膝关节手术或微创治疗,请与我们经验丰富的骨科顾问外科医生 Jerry Chen 预约,我们将为您提供全面的评估和治疗方案。
我们的目标是 提高患者的幸福感,优化手术过程的方方面面。通过缩短恢复期 患者能够重新开始他们喜爱的活动。 阿尔卑斯团队提供全面的财务咨询,确保患者了解自己的选择,并就治疗计划做出明智的决定。
MBBS (S'pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)
受过研究员培训的骨科顾问外科医生兼医务主任
阿尔卑斯矫形外科中心(Alps Orthopaedic Centre)擅长 "术后强化恢复"(ERAS)。作为一种日间手术,ERAS 直接前路全髋关节置换术(THR)和ERAS 全膝关节置换术(TKR)减少了平均住院时间,采用的技术使病人痛苦更少,恢复更快。我们是新加坡一家专门从事 ERAS 的骨科诊所,竭尽全力让患者尽早恢复日常活动。
我们的骨科诊所提供肌肉骨骼问题的专业诊断和有效治疗,尤其是髋关节和膝关节手术、运动损伤和外伤骨折的日间手术/术后加强康复(ERAS)。如果您正在考虑进行髋关节或膝关节手术或微创治疗,请与我们经验丰富的骨科顾问外科医生 Jerry Chen 预约,我们将为您提供全面的评估和治疗方案。
我们的目标是 提高患者的幸福感,优化手术过程的方方面面。通过缩短恢复期 患者能够重新开始他们喜爱的活动。 阿尔卑斯团队提供全面的财务咨询,确保患者了解自己的选择,并就治疗计划做出明智的决定。
MBBS (S'pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)
Fellowship-trained Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director
阿尔卑斯矫形外科中心(Alps Orthopaedic Centre)擅长 "术后强化恢复"(ERAS)。作为一种日间手术,ERAS 直接前路全髋关节置换术(THR)和ERAS 全膝关节置换术(TKR)减少了平均住院时间,采用的技术使病人痛苦更少,恢复更快。我们是新加坡一家专门从事 ERAS 的骨科诊所,竭尽全力让患者尽早恢复日常活动。
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.
我们的目标是 提高患者的幸福感,优化手术过程的方方面面。通过缩短恢复期 患者能够重新开始他们喜爱的活动。 阿尔卑斯团队提供全面的财务咨询,确保患者了解自己的选择,并就治疗计划做出明智的决定。