Your ankle is a complex structure, and when it is subjected to trauma, it can be damaged in a variety of ways. This is especially true when it comes to ankle fractures. Your specific fracture pattern and bone damage will determine the best course of treatment, and in today’s blog, we want to take a closer look at some of the more common ways that your ankle might fracture if subjected to direct trauma. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at four of the most common types of ankle fractures.

Most Common Types Of Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures tend to occur when a significant force is exerted on our feet, like what you might experience during a car crash, a sports collision or after slipping and falling on the ice. How force is displaced across your ankle during this event can dictate the type of fracture that develops.

• Lateral Malleolus Fracture – A lateral malleolus fracture is the most common type of ankle fracture, and it involves a break in the lateral malleolus – the distal part of your fibula bone. Treatment will be determined after your foot specialist takes a closer look at imaging results of your feet. If the fracture is stable, like most tend to be, you should be able to make a full recovery without the need for surgery. A protective cast, crutches and some short-term rest oftentimes do the trick, with most patients making a recovery in 6-12 weeks. If the fracture is unstable or displaced, a minimally invasive procedure to reposition the bones so that they heal correctly may be necessary. Recovery time after this procedure is typically around 3-4 months.
• Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture – The second most common type of ankle fracture is the bimalleolar ankle fracture, which involves damage to two parts of the ankle. With a bimalleolar ankle fracture, there are breaks in the lateral malleolus and the medial malleolus. The medial malleolus is the knobby bump on the inside of the ankle, and also is part of the lower tibia. Because there are multiple breaks, the ankle is typically unstable, meaning surgery is the most common form of treatment. Most patients will be non-weight bearing for 2-4 months following the procedure, and physical therapy helps to restore strength and function in the ankle. Full recovery typically takes 6-9 months.
• Trimalleolar Fracture – A trimalleolus fracture is an even more complex type of ankle fracture, with breaks in three separate areas of your ankle. The fractures develop in the lateral malleolus, the medial malleolus, and the lower portion of the posterior malleolus. Similar to bimalleolar fractures, the fracture pattern tends to be unstable, meaning surgery is the most common form of treatment. The recovery timeline is also similar, with most patients being non-weight bearing for at least six weeks, and a return to normal weight bearing activities can take 2-4 months. Return to athletic activities or more strenuous activities can take 6-9 months.
• Pilon Fractures – No, a pilon fracture isn’t a fracture that involves four different breaks in the ankle. Instead, a pilon fracture occurs when the break occurs through the weightbearing top of the ankle, also known as the central portion of the lower tibia. This area tends to be well-protected, so it takes a specific type of high-energy trauma to create a pilon fracture. A car crash or a fall from a great height onto your feet are the two most common ways that a pilon fracture can develop. Mild pilon fractures may heal without surgery, but given the nature of their onset, it’s rare for a pilon fracture to be considered mild. They are typically treated with surgery and a protective cast, with a return to normal activities around the 3-6 month mark.

For more information about any of these types of ankle fractures, or for assistance managing a different foot or ankle condition, reach out to Dr. McDonald and his team today at (860) 244-8889.