Understanding Ankle Fracture Open Reduction and Internal Fixation

How does an ankle fracture happen?

Three bones make up the ankle joint. These are the shinbone (tibia), the smaller bone in your leg (fibula), and a bone in your foot (talus).

Different kinds of injuries can damage the lower tibia, lower fibula, or talus. In some cases, only one of these bones might break, or you may have a break in two or more of these bones. The bones may break, but the pieces are still lined up correctly, or they may be broken and not lined up correctly.

Why is an ankle fracture ORIF done?

You are more likely to need ORIF if:

• The bones of your leg are out of alignment.

• One or more bones broke through the skin.

• Your bones broke into several pieces.

• Your ankle is unstable (the ankle joint itself is displaced or can be displaced when it is subjected to normal forces).

How is an ankle fracture ORIF done?

An ORIF surgery may be done under general anesthesia (you sleep through the surgery and won’t feel anything) or under local anesthesia and a medicine to help you relax (sedation).

During an open reduction, the bone pieces are put back in their proper alignment. The bones are then connected back in place with hardware. This is called internal fixation. The hardware may include screws, plates, rods, wires, or nails.

What are the risks of ankle fracture ORIF?

All types of surgeries have risks. Your risks vary based on your age and general health. For example, if you are a smoker or if you have low bone density, you may have a higher risk for certain problems. People with poorly controlled diabetes may also have a higher risk for problems. Talk with your health care provider about which risks apply most to you. Some of the main risks of ankle fracture ORIF include:

• Infection.

• Bleeding.

• Nerve damage.

• Damage to blood vessels or tendons.

• Skin complications.

• Misaligned bone or bone that does not heal.

• Blood clots.

• Fat embolism.

• Irritation of the area from the hardware.

• Arthritis.

• Problems from anesthesia.

• A need for more surgery.