Ankle Fractures
Malleolar, pilon & complex ankle trauma
Ankle fractures require precise anatomical restoration — even a 1–2 mm displacement can lead to early arthritis. Dr. Narang uses minimally invasive plating techniques wherever possible.
Symptoms
- Severe pain immediately after twisting injury
- Inability to bear weight
- Visible deformity
- Rapid swelling and bruising
Common Causes
- Sports injuries
- Road traffic accidents
- Falls, especially in elderly osteoporotic patients
How We Diagnose
- AP, lateral & mortise X-rays
- CT for pilon or complex fractures
- MRI for suspected syndesmotic (high ankle) injury
Recovery Timeline
6 weeks non-weight-bearing typically, followed by 6 weeks of graded loading. Full recovery 4–6 months.
Conservative first. Surgery when it's the right answer.
Conservative treatment
Closed reduction & casting
For stable, undisplaced fractures.
Syndesmotic screw / suture button
For high ankle injuries.
Surgical treatment
Minimally invasive plating
For displaced malleolar fractures.
Pilon reconstruction
Staged fixation with external fixator followed by definitive plating.
Why. When. Can. How long. Surgery?
Ankle Fractures usually develops from a mix of mechanical overload, previous injury, footwear and biological factors. Identifying the specific driver is the first step to a treatment plan that actually works.
Book a review if pain lasts more than 2–3 weeks, disrupts sleep or work, comes with swelling or deformity, or if you have diabetes or a previous foot injury.
Yes — most cases respond to structured conservative care. Surgery is only offered after an appropriate non-surgical trial has genuinely failed or if structural damage is progressing.
Mild cases settle in 2–6 weeks; moderate cases in 6–12 weeks; surgical cases follow a structured 3–6 month rehabilitation programme.
Not usually. Surgery is reserved for structural damage or true failure of conservative care — decided together after a full review of your history, examination and imaging.
Often yes, with condition-specific physiotherapy, footwear/orthotic optimisation, activity modification and injections where indicated — provided the plan is followed properly for long enough.
Delay allows the underlying mechanics to progress — ligaments loosen, cartilage wears, deformity becomes rigid. Late-stage reconstruction is always bigger than early treatment.
Ankle Fractures — 11 frequently asked questions
When can I remove the plate?+
Only if it causes discomfort — usually after 12 months.
Why is ankle fractures affecting me now?+
Ankle Fractures is usually the result of accumulated mechanical stress, an untreated older injury, or a change in activity, footwear or body weight. A structured evaluation identifies the exact driver so treatment targets the cause, not just the symptom.
When should I see a foot & ankle specialist for ankle fractures?+
If pain lasts more than 2–3 weeks, wakes you at night, causes limping, prevents sport or work, or comes with swelling, deformity or numbness — book a specialist review. Early expert care almost always prevents surgery later.
Can ankle fractures be treated without surgery?+
Yes — the majority of patients improve with a structured conservative programme: activity modification, specific physiotherapy, footwear and orthotic optimisation, and targeted injections when indicated. Surgery is reserved for cases where an appropriate non-surgical trial has genuinely failed.
How long does recovery take?+
Recovery depends on severity and treatment pathway. Simple cases settle in 2–6 weeks with conservative care. Surgical reconstruction typically follows a structured 3–6 month protected weight-bearing and rehabilitation programme, with return to sport around 4–6 months.
Will I need surgery?+
Not necessarily. Dr. Chandan Narang follows a strict conservative-first protocol. Surgery is offered only when imaging and clinical findings show that non-surgical care cannot restore function, or if there is structural damage that will worsen if left alone.
Can I avoid surgery if I follow physiotherapy properly?+
Often, yes — provided the physiotherapy is condition-specific (not generic), progressive, and combined with the right footwear, orthotics and activity modification. Many "failed physio" cases in fact never received the right protocol.
What happens if I delay treatment?+
Delay allows the underlying mechanical problem to progress: ligaments loosen further, cartilage wears down, deformity becomes rigid, and tendons tear. Reconstructive surgery for late-stage disease is bigger, longer and more expensive than early treatment.
Is this treatable through an online video consultation?+
Yes. Most ankle fractures cases can be reviewed via a structured video consultation with X-rays or MRI uploaded in advance. In-person examination is only required when a specific hands-on test is decisive.
What imaging will I need?+
Weight-bearing X-rays are the standard baseline. MRI is used for suspected soft-tissue tears, cartilage lesions or occult fractures. CT is reserved for complex bony deformity or trauma planning. Ultrasound is used selectively for dynamic tendon assessment.
Do I need to bring old reports and X-rays?+
Yes. Old imaging is invaluable for tracking progression. Please upload every prior report and image via WhatsApp before your consultation so Dr. Chandan Narang can review everything ahead of time.
Get an expert opinion on your ankle fractures — from anywhere in India.
Upload your X-ray or MRI in advance. Dr. Chandan Narang will review your case in a structured video consultation.