Some of the more common fractures heal well with nonoperative care and some require surgical treatment, so an accurate diagnosis is essential. Ankle Fractures Ankle fractures have been classified in various ways. Patients experience immediate pain and cannot walk. On exam, they generally have significant swelling with or without deformity. Fortunately, tibial plafond fractures are uncommon in athletes.
Fractures involving the malleolus are a much more common type of ankle fracture.
Ligament damage is typical, generally of the deltoid ligament and of the anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligaments. Patients feel immediate pain and have difficulty walking or cannot walk. Malleolus fractures are typically classified by one of two systems. The initial treatment for all displaced malleolus fractures is closed reduction and casting followed by ice and elevation. If an anatomic reduction is obtained, these fractures can be managed with a cast.