- Lauge Hansen classified ankle fractures based on position of foot and direction of force into Supination adduction, pronation abduction, supination external rotation and pronation external rotation types
- Newer addition to this classification include vertical compression and unclassified types
- Indications for surgery include displaced fractures, unstable mortise with bi/tri malleolar fractures
- Outcomes associated with the use of a biodegradable plate and screws for ankle fractures were inferior to those with a metallic plate and screws
- Functional outcomes of posterior malleolar fractures are reported to be significantly worse than the outcomes for unimalleolar and bimalleolar ankle fractures
- Syndesmotic injuries need to be evaluated and appropriately managed
- Common complication include wound problems, deep infections, malunion, post-operative stiffness, post-traumatic arthritis
