Ankle Fracture Surgery

About Ankle Fracture Surgery

Ankle fracture surgery, usually performed as open reduction and internal fixation or ORIF, repairs breaks of the bones around the ankle joint, most often the lower ends of the fibula and tibia, known as the lateral, medial and posterior malleoli. Ankle fractures are among the most common fractures treated by orthopedic surgeons and often result from twisting injuries. Stable fractures with good alignment are frequently treated without surgery, whereas unstable fractures, those involving both sides of the ankle, displaced fractures and injuries to the syndesmosis, the ligament complex binding the tibia and fibula, are commonly fixed surgically. During the operation the fragments are put back into anatomical position through one or more incisions and held with plates, screws or wires. Syndesmotic injuries may be stabilized with screws or suture button devices. Restoring the precise alignment of the ankle joint is the main goal, since persistent malalignment is associated with later arthritis. Swelling of the soft tissues sometimes delays surgery, and external fixation may be used temporarily in severe injuries.