2. The ankle is a hinge type joint that connects the leg to the foot. It consists of the tibia, fibula and the talus. The ankle is a hinge type joint that connects the leg to the foot. It consists of the tibia, fibula and the talus. An ankle fracture is a break of one or more of the bones that make up the ankle. An ankle fracture is a break of one or more of the bones that make up the ankle.

3.  Pain at the site of the fracture, which in some cases can extend from the foot to the knee.  Significant swelling, which may occur along the length of the leg or may be more localized.  Blisters may occur over the fracture site. These should be promptly treated by your surgeon.  Bruising, which develops soon after the injury.  Inability to walk—however, it is possible to walk with less severe breaks, so never rely on walking as a test of whether a bone has been fractured.  Change in the appearance of the ankle so that it differs from the other ankle.

4. Ankle fractures result when the ankle is forced inward or outward past its normal range of motion. Ankle fractures result when the ankle is forced inward or outward past its normal range of motion. This can occur when: This can occur when: jumping, running athlete lands on an uneven surface. jumping, running athlete lands on an uneven surface. foot is firmly planted and the body gets twisted. foot is firmly planted and the body gets twisted. Sports most commonly associated with ankle fractures include: Basketball, Football, Baseball and Soccer Basketball, Football, Baseball and Soccer

5. Taping, bracing, and high top shoes may help prevent some ankle fractures. Taping, bracing, and high top shoes may help prevent some ankle fractures. Maintaining excellent ankle muscle strength and balance will also help. Maintaining excellent ankle muscle strength and balance will also help.

6. Surgery is often needed to stabilize ankle fractures. Usually, the surgery involves the placement of screws and plates. The patient then is placed in a cast or splint after surgery for a variable period of time depending on the severity of the fracture. This can range from a few days to 2 weeks until the swelling goes down around the joint. Weight bearing may be delayed until there is evidence of early fracture healing. This may take 4-8 weeks depending on the severity of the fracture. Cost: $27,848 Open treatment of ankle dislocation, with or without skeletal fixation; with repair or internal or external fixation

7. 1.Incision of the ankle to expose joint 2.The joint is fixed with a plate 3.Screws are drilled in to keep the plate in place 4.Screws and checked and tightened 5.Incision is closed together with stitches.

8. –Physical Therapy and Home Exercises –Strengthening exercises will help muscle around bone grow back so you can become strong enough to walk without a limp. –Consistency is key

9. Origin People who smoke, have diabetes, or are elderly are at a higher risk for complications after surgery, including problems with wound healing. This is because it may take longer for their bones to heal. General surgical risks include: Infection Bleeding Pain Blood clots in your leg Damage to blood vessels, tendons, or nerves

10. Normal Ankle X-ray Fractured Ankle X-ray Surgery with Plate and Screw

11. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKeJd0j2J4Ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKeJd0j2J4E (fibula fracture, similar to ankle surgery, clearer view) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPG4LoiWFx0http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPG4LoiWFx0 (ankle fracture surgery)

12. Bibliography www.emedx.com 2009 www.emedx.com 2009 www.emedx.com http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ankle_fr acture/page7_em.htm 2009 http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ankle_fr acture/page7_em.htm 2009 http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ankle_fr acture/page7_em.htm http://www.emedicinehealth.com/ankle_fr acture/page7_em.htm http://www.footphysicians.com/footanklei nfo/ankle-fracture.htm. 2008 http://www.footphysicians.com/footanklei nfo/ankle-fracture.htm. 2008 http://www.footphysicians.com/footanklei nfo/ankle-fracture.htm http://www.footphysicians.com/footanklei nfo/ankle-fracture.htm http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic= A00391 2009 http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic= A00391 2009 http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic= A00391 http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic= A00391 Fractures of the Foot and Ankle: Diagnosis and Treatment of Injury and Disease By: Informa Healthcare 2005 Fractures of the Foot and Ankle: Diagnosis and Treatment of Injury and Disease By: Informa Healthcare 2005 Fractures of the Foot and Ankle: Diagnosis and Treatment of Injury and Disease Fractures of the Foot and Ankle: Diagnosis and Treatment of Injury and Disease