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Ankle Fracture Surgery in India

Surgical fixation of broken ankle bones using plates, screws, or rods to restore alignment and stability for proper healing and return to full mobility.

Overview

Ankle Fracture Surgery is performed by Dr. Gurudeo Kumar at Arthoscenter, Patna to treat broken bones in the ankle joint through open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The ankle joint consists of three bones: tibia (shin bone), fibula (smaller leg bone), and talus (foot bone). Fractures can involve one, two, or all three bones, requiring precise surgical alignment and stabilization for optimal healing. Ankle fractures commonly result from sports injuries, falls, twisting injuries, motor vehicle accidents, or high-impact trauma. Depending on severity, they're classified as unimalleolar (one bone broken), bimalleolar (two bones), or trimalleolar (all three including posterior malleolus). Unstable fractures, displaced fractures, or fractures involving the ankle joint surface require surgical intervention. At Arthoscenter Patna, Dr. Kumar has successfully performed over 210 ankle fracture fixation surgeries with a 96% union rate and excellent functional outcomes. Using advanced fracture fixation techniques, locking plates, and anatomic reduction, most patients return to normal walking within 3-4 months.

Symptoms & Indications

This surgery may be recommended if you experience:

Immediate severe pain in ankle after injury or fall

Visible deformity or abnormal ankle position

Inability to bear weight or walk on affected foot

Severe swelling and bruising around ankle joint

Tenderness when touching bones around ankle

Hearing or feeling a "snap" or "pop" at time of injury

Ankle instability - joint feels wobbly or gives way

Open wound with bone visible (open fracture - emergency)

Numbness or tingling in foot (suggests nerve damage)

Cold or pale foot (suggests blood vessel injury)

Procedure Details

Duration

60-120 minutes depending on fracture complexity

Anesthesia

Spinal or general anesthesia with regional nerve blocks

Preparation for Surgery

Pre-operative preparation includes comprehensive ankle X-rays to assess fracture pattern. CT scan may be ordered for complex fractures. Physical examination checks neurovascular status and skin integrity. Patients undergo pre-anesthetic evaluation and blood work. Acute fractures are often temporarily splinted until swelling subsides (3-7 days). Dr. Kumar reviews X-rays to explain surgical plan.

Surgical Steps

1

Spinal or general anesthesia is administered

2

Patient is positioned supine with bump under affected hip

3

Skin incision made over fractured bone

4

Fracture fragments cleaned and aligned anatomically

5

Temporary guidewires hold reduction in place

6

Intraoperative X-rays confirm proper alignment

7

Fixation achieved using plates and screws

8

Syndesmotic screws placed if ligament damaged

9

Final X-rays confirm hardware position

10

Wound irrigated and closed in layers

11

Splint or boot applied to protect repair

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery journey

Day 1-14

Initial Healing

Ankle in splint/boot with strict non-weight bearing. Leg elevation and ice therapy. Pain management with medications. Toe exercises to prevent blood clots.

Week 3-6

Protective Healing

Continue non-weight bearing. Gentle ankle range of motion begins. Swelling decreases. Stitches removed at 2-3 weeks. X-rays show early healing.

Week 7-12

Progressive Weight Bearing

Begin partial weight bearing with crutches. Gradual transition to full weight bearing by week 10-12. Physical therapy for mobility and strength.

Month 4-6

Advanced Rehabilitation

Full weight bearing achieved. Intensive therapy for strength and balance. Return to most daily activities. Swimming and cycling approved.

Month 6-12

Return to Activity

Resume normal activities and sports as cleared. Continue strengthening exercises. Annual follow-up to monitor healing.

Tips for Faster Recovery

Follow non-weight bearing instructions strictly

Keep leg elevated above heart level for first 2 weeks

Use ice packs regularly to control swelling

Perform ankle exercises as prescribed

Attend all physical therapy sessions

Wear supportive footwear after boot discontinued

Avoid high-impact activities until cleared

Report signs of infection immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this procedure

Q1.Do all ankle fractures require surgery?

No, stable and non-displaced fractures can be treated with casting. Surgery is required for displaced, unstable, or multi-bone fractures. Dr. Kumar evaluates X-rays to determine the best treatment.

Q2.When can I walk after ankle fracture surgery?

Weight bearing timeline varies: stable fractures at 6 weeks, most fractures at 8-10 weeks, complex fractures at 10-12 weeks. Dr. Kumar determines timing based on X-ray healing progress.

Q3.Will hardware need removal?

Hardware removal is optional. Most patients keep it permanently. Removal considered if causing pain or irritation, typically 12-18 months after surgery.

Q4.Can I return to sports?

Yes! Most return to sports 6-12 months after surgery. Low-impact activities at 4-6 months, high-impact sports at 6-9 months with proper rehabilitation.

Q5.What is the cost of ankle fracture surgery?

Cost ranges ₹75,000-1,50,000 depending on complexity. Simple fractures cost less, complex multi-bone fractures more. Insurance typically covers this medically necessary surgery.

Considering This Surgery?

Book an online video consultation with Dr. Gurudeo Kumar for just ₹999 and get all your questions answered