Ankle Fracture Surgery

Depending on the severity and location of your ankle fracture, a healthcare professional may require you to receive surgery on your ankle. Surgery will repair the ankle bone and set it in a better position to reduce the risk of a deformity or loss of function.

Overview

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Why does an ankle fracture require surgery?

You will need to undergo ankle fracture surgery if the severity and location of your fracture necessitate professional intervention. Surgery will realign the ankle bones effectively, reducing the risk of deformity or loss of function.

How will the ankle fracture surgery be performed?

An anaesthetist will discuss with you the type of anaesthetic used and the process they will follow to ensure that your operation is comfortable and quick. You will be given the opportunity to ask any questions and raise any concerns you may have.

Once you are safely anaesthetised, incisions are made through the skin where the ankle bones are broken. The bones will be repositioned and held in place with implants. Once the bones are repaired, your surgeon will stitch up where the incision has been made, and you will be taken back to your room.

How should I prepare for ankle fracture surgery?

Your consultant will provide you with all the relevant information before your procedure, along with any preparation you may need to do in the days leading up to your surgery. It is important to tell your consultant if you are taking any medication, including any over the counter pain medicines such as paracetamol or aspirin.

You may need imaging tests before your surgery to identify the type of ankle fracture that has occurred. These tests include processes such as ultrasound, x-ray or an MRI.

Do not eat or drink for 6 hours before you are due to have surgery, otherwise your surgery may be delayed. You will receive more detailed information on the fasting process prior to your procedure.

Please ensure you have a companion available to take you home after you leave OneWelbeck Orthopaedics. Wait 24 hours before you drive or operate heavy machinery.

What risks are associated with ankle fracture surgery?

As with any surgery, there can be risks with ankle surgery. Whilst the chance of these risks occurring are low, they can include:

  • Residual weakness in the ankle
  • Reduced ability to walk
  • Infection
  • Further surgery if the bone doesn’t heal properly
  • Nerve damage

Our leading orthopaedic consultants will be able to help with any concerns you may have.

What is the recovery process after ankle fracture surgery?

After your operation, you will be watched by your dedicated nurse at OneWelbeck Orthopaedics for a few hours after your surgery. To stop your leg from moving, you will need to wear a cast or brace on your leg which will help the ankle to heal. You will likely be in this case for at least six weeks depending on the severity of your injury. Once you have seen your consultant, you will be able to go home the same day.

Make sure you follow any advice given to you by your consultant orthopaedic surgeon including any advice on pain relief, wound dressing and any exercises you may be given.

FAQ

How long does recovery from ankle surgery take?

The recovery time depends on the type of surgery and the extent of the injury. Recovery from a minor procedure might take as few as 6-8 weeks; major surgery could require months for recovery.

What is the best way to speed up recovery?

Making sure you get enough rest, eating a nutritious diet, and avoiding smoking all contribute to faster healing after ankle surgery. Another effective way to accelerate the healing process is cold compression therapy on the ankle.

Treatment Programme
Ankle Fracture Surgery

Introduction

Treatment

Surgery to repair the bone

Preparation

Fasting to prepare for anaesthetic

Risks

Minor risk of infection

Aftercare

Medication, exercises

Recovery

Cast for six weeks

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Health Insurance

This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.

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Self-Pay Available

This treatment is available for self-paying users. If you would like to see more information on pricing visit our pricing and payments page.

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Consultation Required

For this treatment you will need to have a 1-to-1 consultation at OneWelbeck first. To book in with our team of expert clinicians or to find out more about the process contact the relevant centre team.

Ankle Fracture Surgery Specialists

We boast a truly integrated team of orthopaedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, podiatric surgeons, rheumatology specialists, paid medicine consultants and hand therapy specialists. All of these services work together in one place, enabling us to give patients the best care possible.

Mr Amit Amin

Consultant Foot & Ankle Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Sports Injuries, Orthopaedics, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Arthritis, Achilles Tendon Strain, Shockwave Therapy, Morton's Neuroma.

Mr Paul Hamilton

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Orthopaedics, Sports Injuries, Upper and Lower Limb Tendon Injuries, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Arthritis, Foot Surgery, Shockwave Therapy, Morton's Neuroma.

Mr Francesc Malagelada

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Orthopaedics, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Sports Injuries, Achilles Tendon Surgery, Flat Foot Deformity, Ankle Ligament Reconstruction Surgery.

Mr Lee Parker

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Orthopaedics, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Hammer Toe, Sports Injuries, Achilles Tendon Surgery.

Mr Pal Ramesh

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Sports Injuries, Orthopaedics, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Hammer Toe, Shockwave Therapy, Knee Arthroscopy, Hip Arthroscopy.

Mr Matthew Solan

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Sports Injuries, Orthopaedics, Foot & Ankle, Bunions, Hammer Toe, Arthritis, Shockwave Therapy, Morton's Neuroma, Flat Foot Deformity.

Mr R. Lloyd Williams

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Specialist expertise: Foot and Ankle Conditions, Orthopaedics, Elite Sport, Sports Injuries, Sports Injuries of the Lower Limb, Foot & Ankle, Arthritis, Bunions, Morton's Neuroma.

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