Ankle Fracture – Dr. Vinit Oswal | Expert Orthopaedic Doctor in Bengaluru

Dr. Vinit Oswal, an experienced Orthopaedic Surgeon at Spire Clinic, Bengaluru, is highly skilled in the diagnosis and management of ankle fractures. With advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques, Dr. Oswal ensures proper bone healing, pain relief, and restoration of mobility, helping patients return to normal activities quickly and safely.

What is an Ankle Fracture?

An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint (tibia, fibula, and talus). It can occur due to twisting injuries, falls, accidents, or sports-related trauma. Ankle fractures can range from minor cracks to severe breaks involving multiple bones and ligaments, and they often require immediate medical care.

Types of Ankle Fracture

• Lateral Malleolus Fracture – Break in the outer part of the ankle (fibula).
• Medial Malleolus Fracture – Break in the inner part of the ankle (tibia).
• Bimalleolar Fracture – Break involving both medial and lateral malleolus.
• Trimalleolar Fracture – Break involving three parts of the ankle (medial, lateral, and posterior malleolus).
• Stress Fracture – Small cracks in the bone caused by repetitive strain or overuse.

When should you seek medical care for an Ankle Fracture?

• Severe pain, swelling, or bruising around the ankle
• Inability to bear weight or walk
• Visible deformity or misalignment of the ankle joint
• Open wound with bone protrusion
• Persistent pain after twisting or injury

How is an Ankle Fracture Treated?

• Immobilization – Using a cast, splint, or boot for stable fractures
• Closed Reduction – Non-surgical realignment of the broken bone
• Open Reduction & Internal Fixation (ORIF) – Surgery with plates, screws, or rods to stabilize severe fractures
• External Fixation – In complex cases, an external frame is used to hold bones in place
• Choice of treatment depends on severity, bone displacement, and associated ligament damage

What Care is Necessary After an Ankle Fracture?

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) in the early phase
• Hospital stay of 1–3 days may be required for surgical cases
• Avoid weight-bearing on the injured ankle until advised by the doctor
• Rehabilitation with physiotherapy helps restore strength and balance
• Recovery usually takes 6–12 weeks depending on severity

Patients are advised to follow prescribed exercises, wear supportive footwear, and attend regular follow-ups to monitor healing progress and prevent long-term stiffness.

What are the Risks & Complications?

• Improper bone healing (malunion or non-union)
• Joint stiffness or long-term instability
• Arthritis in the ankle joint after severe fractures
• Nerve or blood vessel injury
• Infection (post-surgery in open fractures)

What are Some Advantages of Early Ankle Fracture Treatment?

• Faster bone healing with proper alignment
• Reduced risk of chronic pain and instability
• Improved ankle mobility and strength
• Lower risk of arthritis and deformities
• Better quality of life with restored walking ability

Book Your Appointment

For additional information on Ankle Fracture treatment, or to have your ankle injury evaluated, please call +91 6364329177 – Dr. Vinit Oswal, Expert Orthopaedic Doctor in Bengaluru, serving patients at Spire Clinic and across Bangalore City.