Fractured ankles refer to a broken tibia (the large, weight bearing shin bone of the lower leg) and/or fibula (the smaller bone located on the outside of the leg). Both bones wrap around the talus to form the ankle joint. There are many reasons why the ankle can fracture; most commonly during an accident or injury. And because the ankle joint is complex, there are a number of types of ankle fractures. Here are the most common.
Stable vs Unstable Fractures
Fractures of the ankle are classified as stable or unstable, which has to do with the stability of the talus. If the talus is capable of movement, the fracture is considered stable. If the talus does not move properly or is incapable of moving at all, then the fracture is considered unstable and requires more invasive methods of treatment.
Fibula Only Fracture
The most common type of ankle fracture, the fibula-only fracture – also known as a lateral malleolus fracture – occurs when the fibula is broken but the ankle is still capable of movement. In most cases, fibula-only fractures can be healed with casting. However, if the joint is unstable or there are damaged ligaments, your orthopedist likely will recommend surgery.
Tibia Only Fracture
Much less common than a fibula-only fracture, a fracture of just the tibia occurs at the part of the bone called the medial malleolus and likely requires surgery to repair.
Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture
A bimalleolar ankle fractures occurs when both the tibia and fibula are fractured, always resulting in an unstable fracture that will require surgery. Even if the surgery is 100 percent successful at repairing the fracture, having had this type of fracture increases the risk of developing arthritis. That said, you can expect a good deal of physical therapy as part of your long-term treatment plan.
Bimalleolar Equivalent and Trimalleloar Fractures
The bimalleolar equivalent fracture affects both fibula as well as the ligaments on the inner side of the ankle. An unstable fracture, the bimalleolar equivalent fracture will require surgery to repair the damage. The trimalleolar fracture affects both the tibia and fibula and requires a very similar surgical procedure to that of a bimalleolar fracture.
Maisonneuve Fracture
Not as common as the preceding types of fractures, this type of fracture affects the bone on the inner side of the ankle, usually higher up in the fibula bone, closer to the knee. This injury too is considered unstable, and will require surgery to repair.
Treatment for Fractures at Watauga Orthopedics
An ankle fracture can set you back weeks, even months, preventing you from doing the things you love and need to do. That’s why it’s so important that you work with an orthopedist who can treat you for the long-term, ensuring you are not at risk for complications or repeated injury.
Since our founding in 1950, Watauga Orthopedics has become one of the most trusted names in Tennessee when it comes to innovative, hands-on orthopedic care. Our experienced and dedicated providers employ leading edge treatment combined with compassion. If you are seeking orthopedic care and are in the Johnson City or Kingsport area, call Watauga Orthopedics today at (423) 282-9011, or book an appointment online with our self-scheduler. And because we know that some orthopedic issues can’t wait, we also offer same-day, walk-in urgent care for acute injuries like fractures, strains and strains.
