injuries poisoning
Ankle Fractures
Key Points
If an ankle fracture disrupts the ankle ring (formed by the ankle bones and ligaments) in one place, it often disrupts it in another; if≥2 of the structures that stabilize the ankle ring are disrupted, the ankle is unstable. Use the Ottawa ankle rules to try to limit x-rays to patients more likely to have a fracture. Evaluate ankle stability (which determines treatment) by physical examination and, if needed, x-rays. Treat most stable ankle fractures with a walking boot or cast and many unstable fractures with ORIF. 