ANKLE FRACTURE SURGERY

The main goal of ankle fracture surgery is to put the ankle joint back in place and to stabilize the bones to heal. Getting the ankle joint back in place helps to decrease the risk of developing arthritis of the ankle. Stabilizing the ankle with plates and screws may allow earlier motion.

COMPLICATIONS
All surgeries come with possible complications, including the risks associated with anesthesia, infection, damage to nerves and blood vessels, and bleeding or blood clots.

Potential long-term problems after ankle fracture surgery include ankle joint stiffness, weakness, and arthritis. Possible complications include infection and problems with healing. Factors that increase risks after ankle fracture surgery include diabetes, steroid use, and cigarette smoking.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • Will my ankle hardware (plate and/or screws) have to be removed at some point?

    Plates and screws used to fix an ankle fracture are not removed if they are not causing problems. Most people do not have problems with the plate and screws. In rare cases, the plate and screws can cause some pain or irritation. When this happens, the hardware may be removed after the fracture is healed, about a year from the original surgery.

BACK TO FOOT AND ANKLE TREATMENTS PAGE
Information provided by American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) via FootCareMD.com