Ankle Fracture Repair Protocol

Keys to a Successful Outcome

  • Make sure incisions are well healed before more aggressive movements/exercises

  • Ice and elevate frequently to minimize swelling

  • Between 0-6 weeks from surgery, end range motion should not be stressed and pain should be minimized as to not disrupt the repair

Phase
Splint/Boot
ROM
WB
Exercises
Weeks 0-2
Splint
None
NWB
None
Weeks 2-4
Walking boot
PROM/AAROM
NWB
AROM for ankle, subtalar, midtarsal within comfortable levels; ankle alphabet
Weeks 4-6
Walking boot
Full AROM
NWB
Progress as tolerated, towel stretch, e-stim, retrograde massage
Weeks 6-8
Wean from walking boot
Full AROM
WBAT
Begin WB, gait training, stationary bike, open chain theraband, seated heel raise
Weeks 8-12
Regular shoes
Full AROM
WBAT
proprioceptive exercises, leg curl/ext, mini-squat, standing heel raise
Weeks 12+
Regular Shoes
Full AROM
WBAT
Closed chain theraband exercises, progress proprioception, agility exercises, sport and job specific training

 

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