Distal part of tibia and fibula that form the ankle joint are involved in ankle fracture. Sometime fracture of any part of fibula can be considered as part of ankle fracture depending on the mechanism of injury. Ankle fractures are broadly divided in to malleolar fracture and pilon fracture.

Malleolar fracture involved only the malleolar portion of tibia and fibula as well as entire length of fibula sparing the metaphyseal area of tibia. This fracture happens due to twisting injury of foot. The fracture pattern also follows a specific mechanism of injury. Most of the time malleolar fractures require surgical treatment as this fracture cause inherent instability of ankle joint which cannot be managed with plaster cast immobilization. Aim of the surgery is to restoration of ankle joint congruity as well as stability. Neglected malleolar fracture or even inadequate stabilization can cause arthritic changes of the joint.

Pilon fracture involves periarticular area of lower end of tibia and fibula bone including metaphyseal area. This fracture involves high energy trauma like fall from height or road traffic accident. These fractures are inherently unstable to maintain rotational and axial stability. As well as tibial articular surface of ankle joint also gets disrupted. Due to these facts surgical intervention is the treatment of choice for these fractures.