Course Description:

The true ankle joint is composed of 3 bones (tibia, fibula, talus) and 2 joints (talocrural and distal tibiofibular), with the subtalar joint located just beneath (talus and calcaneus). The incidence of ankle fractures is highest in women aged 45-64 years and men aged 8-15 years, and they account for 9% of all adult and 5% of all pediatric fractures. Along with several classification systems, many categories of ankle fractures exist. The categories and classification of ankle fractures are based on components involved, severity, stability, fracture type, and mechanism of injury.
Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM) after cast removal has been correlated with functional outcomes of patients recovering from ankle fractures. Although postsurgical management should follow the protocols of the surgeon, researchers have found that early weight-bearing and ROM tend to result in improved ankle ROM when compared to cast immobilization that restricts early weight-bearing and ROM. Other than protecting the surgically repaired fracture, rehabilitation focuses on resolving ROM deficits, strength, balance/proprioception, and functional impairments.