Last Updated on August 28, 2025 by Beth Skwarecki
It can be a painful experience when you twist your ankle, but it can be even more traumatic when you break your ankle. A trimalleolar fracture occurs when you end up breaking your ankle in several places, which can require a lot of treatment and therapy. Here’s why you should take such a fracture very seriously.
What Happens During A Trimalleolar Fracture?
Before searching for an orthopedic walk in clinic near me, you should understand why such a fracture is so serious. When you have a trimalleolar fracture, you’ve actually broken 3 sections in your lower leg bone: your medial malleolus, your posterior malleolus (both are located in the tibia), and the lateral malleolus (located in your fibula). These three bones create the malleo complex, which keeps your ankle stable.
What Causes A Trimalleolar Fracture?
A trimalleolar fracture can be caused by several means of injury. These include falls, tripping, playing sports, motor vehicle accidents, and abruptly rotating your ankle.
Some people are more prone to having a trimalleolar fracture, such as those over the age of 65 who are at risk for tripping and falling. Young people who are active in sports are also at risk for this fracture.
Why Is A Trimalleolar Fracture Such A Serious Injury?
A trimalleolar fracture is a serious injury that can affect your quality of life and leave you with life-long problems. This is because it requires a lot of medical attention to treat. First, you’ll need ankle surgery to repair the fracture; then you’ll need a cast or a brace while your ankle heals, which can take a long time.
You will have difficulties getting around during this healing period since you can’t walk or drive. If the tendons and ligaments have been damaged during the break, then this also adds to the recovery time. Lastly, even if your fracture is fully healed, you will still have a limp and you are likely to develop arthritis in your ankle.
How Is A Trimalleolar Fracture Treated?
You’ll be treated with medication to help you deal with the pain before the surgery. Then you’ll likely receive Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) surgery to repair the broken bones. Physical therapy is recommended to help the bones and joints remain flexible and to strengthen them so that you can walk again and reduce the chances of a break reoccurring.
How Soon Can I Walk After Trimalleolar Fracture Surgery?
It may take up to six weeks to put any weight on your leg. However, speaking with your healthcare provider is always a good idea, as every patient is different.Trimalleolar fractures are complicated and serious injuries that may sometimes require more than one surgery to fix.
They can also affect your quality of life, given that you’ll never be able to walk the same way again, which can have an impact on a person’s mental health. It’s important to speak to your healthcare provider in these circumstances so that you can help manage your recovery.
Carla specializes in writing about post-surgery recovery, pain management, and practical health tips. With a compassionate approach, Carla shares actionable strategies to ease discomfort, promote healing, and empower readers with knowledge to make recovery smoother and less stressful.