Proneness to repeated ankle injury. Unstable or permanently arthritic ankle joint, if many repeat injuries occur. After surgery, ankle fracture-sprains require an average of 18 to 20 weeks to heal completely. The pins or screws inserted surgically to hold bones together are usually removed in 8 to 12 weeks. If this is a first-time injury, proper care, surgery and sufficient healing time before resuming activity should prevent permanent disability.
Torn ligaments require as much healing time as fractured bones.
If non-surgical treatment is chosen, healing time while completely avoiding putting weight on the ankle may require 12 months. Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental. See Appendix 1 for details. Following surgery, the doctor may apply a stirrup boot splint from below the knee to the toes.