The ankle is a mortise joint made up of the lower end of the tibia (shin bone), fibula, and the talus. The term ankle fracture most commonly refers to a group of fractures of the lower (distal) end of the tibia and/or the fibula that occur when the foot is twisted while a load is applied that causes the bone(s) to break at or near the level of the ankle joint. When the fracture involves a large portion of the articular surface of the distal tibia it is often termed a pilon fracture. Pilon fractures can also be of higher energy with greater associated soft tissue damage than typical ankle fractures, however this is not always the case.
When the joint remains stable, ankle fractures can, at times be treated without surgery. When surgery is required, the bones are placed back in their native position and fixed in place (often with plates and screws). Torn ligaments may or may not be torn and require repair as well (video of Dr. Riehl performing ankle surgery).
Fracture locations:
Hip fracture (proximal femur fracture)
Thigh fracture (femur shaft fracture)
Knee fracture (distal femur, patella, and tibial plateau fractures)
Shin fracture (tibial shaft fracture)
Ankle fracture (including pilon fracture)
Shoulder fracture (proximal humerus, and clavicle fractures)