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Dr Seng Chusheng

Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports & Exercise Medicine

MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)

The ankle plays a vital role in everyday movement, supporting the body’s weight while allowing you to walk, run and change direction. As the ankle is a complex joint, your balance can be severely disrupted if the bones, ligaments or tendons are injured. This can make it difficult and painful to bear your own weight or move with confidence.

Occasionally, the injury involves a break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. When this occurs, the stability and alignment of the ankle can be placed at risk, making medical intervention necessary.

$A man experiencing pain from a fractured ankle$

What Is an Ankle Fracture?

An ankle fracture is defined as a break in one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint, most commonly the tibia, fibula or talus. A fracture differs from a sprain in that a fracture involves a break in the bone, while a sprain refers to injury or stretching of the surrounding ligaments. Although both can cause pain and swelling, fractures are more likely to affect the structural integrity of the joint.

The severity of an ankle fracture can vary widely, ranging from small, stable cracks to more complex, multi-part fractures that disrupt joint alignment and stability.

Signs and Symptoms of an Ankle Bone Fracture

An X-ray of an ankle showing the injury site

An ankle fracture often presents with noticeable symptoms following an injury. Common signs and symptoms include:

Sudden, severe pain in the ankle, especially after a fall or twisting injury
Swelling around the ankle joint
Bruising or discolouration of the skin
Difficulty or inability to bear weight on the affected foot
Visible deformity or an unnatural angle of the ankle in more severe cases

Experiencing ankle pain after an injury or suspecting a fracture?

Schedule an appointment with us today for a thorough assessment and appropriate treatment.

Types of Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures are usually classified based on their severity and how much they affect the stability of the joint. This helps determine whether non-surgical treatment is sufficient or if surgery is required.

Stable Fractures

These are simpler fractures where the bones remain in their normal position. The ankle joint is still stable and treatment may involve rest, immobilisation with a cast or boot and gradual return to weight-bearing.

Displaced Fractures

In these cases, the broken bone has shifted out of place. This affects the alignment of the ankle joint and often requires closer monitoring or surgical intervention to restore proper positioning.

Multiple-Bone (Unstable) Fractures

When more than one part of the ankle is broken, the joint typically becomes unstable. These injuries are more serious and commonly require surgery to stabilise the ankle and allow proper healing.

Open Fractures

This is a severe injury where the broken bone breaks through the skin. There is a higher risk of infection and urgent surgical treatment is needed.

Stress (Hairline) Fractures

These are small cracks that develop gradually due to repetitive stress rather than a single injury. Symptoms are usually milder but persistent, and early treatment is important to prevent the fracture from worsening.

What Causes Ankle Fractures?

Ankle fractures can occur from a range of injuries, from sudden trauma to underlying bone weakness. Understanding the common causes and risk factors can help with prevention and early recognition.

Many people fracture their ankles through:

High-impact trauma: Falls, sports injuries or road accidents can place significant force on the ankle, leading to fractures. These injuries are often more severe and may involve multiple parts of the joint.
Forceful twisting of the ankle: A sudden twist or roll of the ankle, especially during activities like running or stepping on uneven ground, can generate enough force to break the bones around the joint.
Osteoporosis or weakened bone: Conditions that reduce bone density make the ankle more susceptible to fractures, even from relatively minor injuries or low-impact falls.

Additionally, there are certain risk factors and actions that make ankle fractures more likely. These include:

Poor balance or muscle weakness: Reduced strength or coordination increases the likelihood of falls or awkward movements that can injure the ankle.
Repeated ankle injuries: Previous sprains or fractures can weaken the joint over time, making it more prone to future injuries.
Inadequate footwear or unsafe surfaces: Wearing shoes with poor support or walking on uneven, slippery surfaces can increase the risk of twisting injuries and falls.

How Is an Ankle Fracture Diagnosed?

Diagnosing an ankle fracture involves a combination of clinical assessment and imaging to determine the extent of the injury and the stability of the joint.

A specialist will first perform a physical examination, checking for tenderness, swelling, bruising and any visible deformity. They may also assess your ability to move the ankle and bear weight, as well as examine surrounding structures to identify associated injuries.

Imaging tests are then used to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays are typically the first-line investigation, as they can clearly show most fractures and any displacement of the bones. In more complex cases, a CT scan may be recommended to provide detailed images of the fracture pattern, while an MRI can help evaluate soft tissue injuries such as ligament damage.

An accurate diagnosis is essential, as it determines whether the fracture can be managed with immobilisation and conservative care or whether it requires surgical intervention to restore proper alignment and stability of the ankle joint.

Need a clear diagnosis for a suspected ankle fracture?

Schedule an appointment with us for a thorough assessment and personalised treatment plan

How Do Ankle Specialists Treat Ankle Fractures?

A patient using crutches due to an ankle injury

Once your specialist has obtained an accurate diagnosis, they will be able to begin treatment. The type of treatment required will depend on the severity and stability of the fracture, as well as the pattern of the injury. The goal of treatment is to restore proper alignment of the bone, ensure sufficient healing and help you return to normal mobility.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical management is often suitable for stable, non-displaced fractures where the bones remain properly aligned. Treatment may include:

Immobilisation: The ankle is placed in a cast or walking boot to keep the bones in position while they heal.
Activity modification and weight-bearing control: You may need to avoid putting weight on the affected foot initially, followed by a gradual return to weight-bearing as healing progresses.
Pain management: Measures such as ice application, elevation and prescribed medications can help reduce discomfort and inflammation.
Physiotherapy: Once the fracture begins to heal, rehabilitation focuses on restoring ankle movement, strength and stability.

Surgical Treatments

Surgery may be recommended for fractures that are displaced, unstable or unlikely to heal properly with conservative treatment alone.

Common surgical options include:

Minimally invasive fixation techniques: Smaller incisions and specialised instruments may be used to stabilise the fracture while reducing soft tissue disruption.
Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF): This procedure involves realigning the broken bones and securing them with plates and screws to maintain proper position during healing.

The aim of surgical treatment is to restore the alignment of the ankle joint, improve stability and reduce the risk of long-term complications such as stiffness or arthritis.

Why Choose Our Clinic for Ankle Fracture Treatment?

Axis Ankle Pain Clinic is a specialist clinic focusing on treating a wide range of ankle conditions, including fractures. We offer:

Extensive experience in foot & ankle surgery

Our team has managed a wide range of complex ankle conditions, ensuring a high level of surgical precision and patient care.

Expertise in modern ankle care techniques

Our ankle doctor, consultant orthopaedic surgeon Dr Seng Chusheng, utilises up-to-date surgical approaches and advanced implant systems designed to improve joint function and longevity.

Personalised treatment plans tailored to patient needs

Each patient is different. As such, we create individualised care plans based on the condition, lifestyle and recovery goals of each patient.

A focus on advanced care, comfort and long-term functional improvement

From consultation through recovery, we prioritise patient comfort while aiming for lasting mobility, stability and quality of life.

Resolving Ankle Fractures With Specialist Assistance

If you suspect an ankle fracture or continue to experience pain, swelling or difficulty bearing weight after an injury, early specialist evaluation is important to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications. Prompt assessment allows for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment, whether non-surgical care or surgical intervention is required.

At Axis Ankle Pain Clinic, management is guided by a structured and patient-focused approach, with each individual receiving a thorough assessment and a treatment plan tailored to the severity and nature of the fracture.

Under the care of Dr Seng Chusheng, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a focus on ankle conditions, patients are supported throughout every stage of recovery, from initial diagnosis to rehabilitation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Ankle Fracture Treatment

How can ankle fractures be prevented?

How can I tell if an ankle is fractured or just sprained?

Will my ankle be weaker after a fracture?

Can ankle fractures recur?

Our Ankle Specialist in Singapore

Dr Seng Chusheng

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Orth), FRCS (Edinburgh)

Dr Seng Chusheng is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in ankle treatment, and experienced in complex ankle fracture fixation, keyhole ligament reconstruction and cartilage repair for sports injuries of the ankle. He also offers a wide repertoire of treatment options for patients with ankle arthritis, ranging from minimally-invasive arthroscopic ankle fusion to joint replacement.

Dr Seng holds an MBBS and MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery) from the National University of Singapore, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, UK (Orthopaedic Surgery). He has presented extensively at many orthopaedic conferences including the prestigious American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Scientific Meeting.

At Axis Ankle Pain Clinic, supporting our patients in their recovery and regaining of mobility is our top priority.

We warmly welcome patients with ankle conditions from all walks of life to experience our customised treatment. Contact us to book a same-day or next-day consultation!

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