Ankle Bones and Break Locations
A broken ankle is not one specific injury.
The ankle is a complex joint that forms where the following bones come together.
If you fracture your ankle, there may be a break in one or more of these.
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The ends of these bones form a cup shape that the talus bone sits within.
Talus fractures can also happen, but they are less common.
Determining how to proceed with treatment depends, in part, on the location of the injury.
Illustration by Alexandra Gordon, Verywell
If the ankle joint is unstable or the ligaments are damaged, then surgery is likely to be recommended.
An isolated medial malleolus fracture is much less common than an isolated lateral malleolus fracture.
In general, a displaced (out of position) medial malleolus fracture is treated with surgery.
These injuries always result in an unstable ankle joint, and in most patients, surgery will be recommended.
The bone in the back of the tibia is called the posterior malleolus.
Because of the damage to this supporting ligament, the ankle is unstable and surgery is most often necessary.
Less than 1% of ankle fractures are talus fractures.
This injury typically occurs during a major traumatic event, such as a car accident.
Unstable ankle fractures are more likely to require invasive treatment.
Your surgeon can guide you on the best course of action in your case.
Summary
There are a number of different types of ankle breaks.
Ankle breaks can be stable or unstable.
An unstable break affects the way the talus moves in relation to the tibia and fibula.
An ankle break may cause pain, swelling, bruising, and trouble walking.
Treatment usually depends on the throw in of break.
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