Alateral malleolus fractureis a break in the bone on the outside of your ankle joint.
Most are stable ankle fractures, meaning that the ankle joint remains aligned and able to move normally.
These types of fractures don’t require surgery.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
This article describes the symptoms of a lateral malleolus fracture, including how it is diagnosed and treated.
What Are the Symptoms of a Lateral Malleolus Fracture?
An impact during a car crash can also cause an ankle fracture.
In addition to the fracture itself, there may be pain and swelling on the inside of your ankle.
This may be a sign of an injury called abimalleolar equivalent fracture.
Stable vs. Unstable Fractures
Most lateral malleolus fractures are stable (non-displaced).
However, impact injuries can sometimes cause unstable fractures.
How Is a Lateral Malleolus Fracture Diagnosed?
Aplain film X-rayis usually all that is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
They both offer different benefits:
The good news is that most isolated lateral malleolus fractures are stable.
How Is a Lateral Malleolus Fracture Treated?
This typically includes:
How Long Do I Have to Keep Off My Foot?
Some healthcare providers will allow you to immediately walk on the affected leg.
Some may recommend holding out for four weeks or more.
When Is Surgery Needed?
You likely won’t need surgery for a stable lateral malleolus fracture.
That’s because non-surgical treatments have proven just as effective with a far lower risk of complications.
If metal implants are used to repair a broken bone, asecond surgerymay be needed to remove them.
This doesn’t mean that all lateral malleolus fractures are treated with rest.
In cases like this, surgery may be needed.
The procedure may performed underregionalorgeneral anesthesia.
If ORIF is needed, the fracture will usually heal within four to six weeks.
After that, you might replace the splint with a removable boot.
When X-rays show ample healing, you’ve got the option to startweight-bearing exercisesunder medical supervision.
Summary
Lateral malleolus fractures involve the bump of bone on the outside of your ankle.
They can happen when you take an awkward step and roll or twist your ankle.
Most are stable fractures in which the broken bone fragments remain aligned.
Surgery usually isn’t required with an isolated lateral malleolus fracture.
In severe cases, open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery may be needed.
2019;27(2):50-59. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-17-00417
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.Ankle fractures (broken ankle).
