Ankle fracture in Barranquilla, Colombia

What is an ankle fracture?

It is a break in one or more of the bones forming the ankle: the end of the tibia (medial malleolus), the end of the fibula (lateral malleolus) or the back of the tibia. It can involve one, two or three bones (unimalleolar, bimalleolar or trimalleolar) and be stable or unstable.

How is it treated?

Stable, non-displaced fractures are managed with a walking boot or cast for about six weeks. Unstable, displaced or joint-involving fractures need surgery to realign the bones and fix them with plates and screws, since a misaligned ankle raises the risk of arthritis.

What is recovery like?

The bone takes six to eight weeks to heal, with a period of no or partial weight-bearing as the specialist directs. Physical therapy follows to restore motion, strength and balance. Most people walk normally in two to three months, though swelling can last longer and return to impact sports may take four to six months.

Which complications should you watch for?

Pain that increases sharply inside the cast, cold, blue or numb toes, fever, a red wound, or calf pain and swelling, which may signal a blood clot. With any of these, seek care immediately.

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