Elevate the ankle consistently for the first 2 weeks
Ankle fractures are among the most common injuries seen in orthopaedic practice. They typically involve one or more bones and the supporting ligaments of the ankle.
In some cases of fractures, surgery is required to restore joint alignment and stability, especially when they involve displacement or ligament disruption.
Dr. Samuel Duff offers assessment and surgical care for ankle fractures across Perth and Western Australia, including CT-guided fracture planning, internal fixation, and structured post-injury recovery.
The ankle joint is formed by the tibia and fibula bones resting on the talus. It is supported by three major ligament systems:
Fractures are classified based on their location relative to the syndesmosis and whether the ligaments are involved.
Most ankle fractures follow predictable patterns, which help determine whether surgery is required.
If you suspect an ankle fracture, get X-rays, elevate the ankle, and use a moon boot or cast. Surgery may be required for unstable or misaligned fractures. Dr. Duff performs surgical repair to restore alignment, stability, and support recovery.
If you’ve injured your ankle and suspect a fracture:
Additional imaging like a CT scan or MRI may be required to assess the extent of bone or ligament damage.
Surgery is typically needed if:
Timely referral is important, ankle fracture surgery is ideally performed within two weeks of the injury to achieve optimal outcomes.
Surgical repair usually involves:
The goal is to restore joint stability and alignment, reduce the risk of arthritis, and allow early rehabilitation.
Elevate the ankle consistently for the first 2 weeks
Avoid hanging your foot down for long periods to reduce swelling and protect the wound
Blood thinners may be prescribed until you are safely weight bearing
Weight bearing depends on the fracture pattern, some allow early walking, others require 6 weeks of limited loading
A cast or moon boot is used initially, with range of motion exercises starting after the first two weeks
Regardless of whether surgery is performed, ankle fractures carry certain risks:
Physiotherapy is often required to restore balance, strength, and walking patterns during recovery.
If you’ve sustained an ankle fracture, early diagnosis and timely surgical planning can greatly improve your recovery. Dr. Samuel Duff provides expert care for ankle injuries across Perth, with access to both private and public hospitals.
For further information or to schedule an appointment, contact our reception team at (08) 6150 8379 or through the Request An Appointment page.
For cases involving ongoing instability or ligament damage, Dr. Duff also offers specialised Ankle Ligament Surgery.