The Clinic's Ankle Orthopaedic Physicians

• Dr Ben Forster
• Dr Mark Richardson

Services Offered

Achilles Tendonitis
Ankle Instability
Osteochondral Lesions
Ankle Fracture
Ankle Arthroscopy

The ankle joint is a hinge between the leg and the foot. The bones of the leg (tibia and fibula) form a sort of slot and the curved top bone of the foot (talus) fits between them. The talus is held to the tibia and fibula by strong bands of tissue called ligaments. Each ligament is made of many strands or fibres of a material called collagen, which is extremely strong. 
 
The ligament on the inside of the ankle (medial or deltoid ligament) has two layers; the deepest one is most important. This ligament is mainly torn in association with severe fractures of the ankle bones. 
The ligament on the outside of the ankle (lateral ligament) is made up of three separate bands: one at the front (anterior talo-fibular ligament), one in the middle (calcaneo-fibular ligament) and one at the back (posterior talo-fibular ligament). The front band is the usual ligament injured in sprains or tears of the ankle ligaments, and the middle band is sometimes affected. 
 
The tibia and fibula have a small joint between themselves just above the ankle. This also has strong ligaments, one at the front and one at the back. (tibio-fibular ligaments). The ligament at the front is involved in 10-20% of ankle sprains; the ligament at the back, like the deltoid ligament, is mainly damaged in association with severe fractures of the ankle bones. 

Most ankle ligament injuries are caused when the foot twists so that the sole is pointing inwards (inversion), usually when the foot is pointing downwards rather than flat on the ground. When this happens, the full force of the body's movement is placed on the anterior talo-fibular ligament. This may stretch, with tearing of some of its fibres (sprain) or it may tear completely. If there is a major injury of the anterior talo-fibular ligament, the forces transfer to the calcaneo-fibular ligament and the tibio-fibular ligaments, which may also be sprained or torn. Occasionally small pieces of bone may be torn off with the ligaments. 
 
In a few cases, a twisting force on the ankle may cause other damage. The bones around the ankle may be broken, a piece of the joint surface inside the ankle may be chipped off, ligaments connecting other bones in the foot may be sprained or torn, or the tendons around the ankle may be damaged. 

Most talar fractures are marked by acute pain, an inability to weight bear and considerable swelling and tenderness.

X-rays will be ordered to help pinpoint the location of the fracture.  They will also show whether the bones are still aligned or have shifted out of place.  Any loose bits of bone that may need to be removed can also be identified.

In rare cases, a talar fracture can be treated without surgery if x-rays show that the bones have not moved out of alignment.

Most fractures of the talus require surgery to minimize later complications.