Ankle Fracture Treatment
The ankle joint is formed by the junction of three bones — the tibia, fibula, and talus — held together by a complex network of ligaments that must work in precise coordination to support the body’s full weight during walking, running, and athletic activity. A severe twist, direct impact, or awkward landing can fracture one or more of these bones, often damaging the surrounding ligaments at the same time. Because ankle fractures and severe sprains can produce nearly identical symptoms — including intense pain, swelling, bruising, and an inability to bear weight — any significant ankle injury requires prompt imaging and evaluation by an orthopedic specialist to determine whether a fracture has occurred and what level of fracture treatment is needed to protect long-term joint stability and function.
Dr. Jonathan Glashow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, with over 30 years of experience treating acute fractures across every major joint. As Chief Medical Officer for the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers — two professional teams where ankle injuries are among the most common game-day emergencies — he has extensive firsthand experience managing ankle fractures that require rapid assessment, precise alignment, and accelerated rehabilitation. A graduate of Cornell University Medical College with fellowship training at the Southern California Orthopedic Institute/UCLA, Dr. Glashow has performed more than 15,000 orthopedic procedures and has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2000. He offers same-day X-rays, on-site evaluation, and emergency surgical capability for ankle fractures at his Upper East Side practice in New York City.
Surgical and Non-Surgical Broken Ankle Treatment
Many ankle fractures can be treated without surgery. When only one bone is fractured or the ankle joints remain stable, a closed reduction and immobilization of the ankle may be used to treat an ankle fracture. A cast or “boot” may be used to hold the bones in place while they heal for less complex ankle fractures.
More severe or complex broken ankles may require surgery. Multiple fractures, ankle instability, bone fragments or other complications can require surgery to repair. Rods, plates, screws and other hardware may be used to repair fractured ankles bones and restore ankle stability. Rehabilitation after surgery is essential to restore the fullest function possible.
Ankle fracture treatment is available through the top-ranked orthopedic specialist, Dr. Jonathan Glashow. Dr. Glashow and our team offer a same day diagnosis, consultations and treatment at our clinic on the Upper East Side. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation. You can expect best-in-class orthopedic care with medical concierge service. Our team is available for after-hours or weekend appointments for emergency ankle fracture treatment and surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ankle Fractures
How can I tell if my ankle is fractured or just sprained? Ankle fractures and severe sprains share many of the same symptoms — including pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty bearing weight — making them difficult to distinguish without imaging. Some signs that may suggest a fracture rather than a sprain include an audible crack or pop at the time of injury, visible deformity or misalignment of the ankle, pain that is concentrated directly over the bone rather than the soft tissue, and an inability to take even a few steps. Because untreated fractures can lead to improper healing and long-term instability, Dr. Glashow recommends X-rays for any significant ankle injury to rule out a break.
What types of ankle fractures are most common?
The most frequently seen ankle fractures involve the lateral malleolus — the bony prominence on the outer side of the ankle formed by the lower end of the fibula. Medial malleolus fractures affect the inner side of the ankle at the bottom of the tibia. Bimalleolar fractures involve breaks on both sides of the ankle, and trimalleolar fractures add a break to the posterior malleolus at the back of the tibia. The more bones involved, the more unstable the ankle becomes — and the more likely surgical intervention will be needed to restore proper alignment and joint stability.
Do all ankle fractures require surgery?
No. Stable, non-displaced fractures — where the bone is cracked but the pieces remain in proper alignment and the ankle joint is stable — can often be treated with immobilization in a cast, walking boot, or splint, followed by a structured rehabilitation program. Surgery is typically recommended when the fracture is displaced, when multiple bones are broken, when the ankle joint is unstable, or when bone fragments have shifted in a way that would prevent proper healing without surgical realignment and fixation. Dr. Glashow uses X-rays and clinical examination to determine the most effective approach for each patient.
What does ankle fracture surgery involve?
During surgical repair, Dr. Glashow uses a technique called open reduction and internal fixation to realign the fractured bone fragments and secure them with metal plates, screws, or pins. The goal is to restore the ankle’s precise anatomical alignment so that the joint surface heals evenly and the surrounding ligaments can function properly. In some complex cases, damaged ligaments are repaired at the same time to restore full joint stability. The procedure is performed at Midtown Surgery Center, a state-of-the-art facility with one of the lowest infection rates in New York.
How long does it take to recover from a broken ankle?
Recovery timelines depend on the severity of the fracture and whether surgery was required. Non-surgical fractures typically require six to eight weeks of immobilization before beginning physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength. Surgical cases may begin gentle motion exercises earlier — often within the first few weeks — under the guidance of a physical therapist. Most patients return to daily activities within two to three months and to full sports or high-impact activity within four to six months. Dr. Glashow coordinates rehabilitation closely with physical therapists to ensure each patient progresses safely and regains full ankle function.
Can an ankle fracture lead to long-term problems?
Most ankle fractures heal well with proper treatment, but potential long-term complications include post-traumatic arthritis — particularly when the fracture extends into the joint surface — chronic stiffness or loss of range of motion, persistent swelling, and hardware irritation from the plates or screws used during surgical repair. The risk of complications is significantly reduced when the fracture is accurately diagnosed, properly aligned, and followed by a disciplined rehabilitation program. Early specialist evaluation is one of the most important factors in achieving a full, lasting recovery.
