Question
Dear Dr. Rahamimov:    My name is Tracey Mckay, I am a forty-four year old woman, and have been married for eight-teen years. Last Saturday I was on a two step ladder, putting some sheets away in a linen closet, when I went to get down I realized that my feet were still on the top step and not on the first step, and down I went with a bang on the floor! When I hit the floor my left ankle hit the floor very hard, and that was when I heard the snap! in my left ankle.  When I got to the hospital and had x-rays done they told me that my left ankle was fractured.  They had to operate the next day, and I was told that they would have to put in a plate and screws.  My question is, for all ankle surgery's is it quite common to have to use plates and screws, to put an ankle back together again! I also have staples up the side of my ankle, and I was wondering if it hurts to get them out, and also I have to go to the surgeon who did the surgery, in about a week to get it checked, and I was wondering if the cast will come off, and another one put on. I am a little nervous as to what is going to happen! I hope you can help me. Thanks for your time.  

Answer
Hello Tracey,

My line of expertise is Spine Surgery. I haven't done ankle surgery in a while, but I'll try to shed some light.
It is in fact very common to use metallic plates and screws when reconstructing a broken ankle. The idea is to get all the pieces to sit in the right place for the length of time needed for initial bone healing to occur. If this is not done, you are risking various complications that might hinder function in the future.
The post operative course may vary, and is up to your surgeon to decide, but typically there is an initial period of immobilization, in which you are not allowed to bear weight on the operated limb. After cast removal, physiotherapy is started, with pain and swelling reduction, range of motion, and muscle strengthening being the targets. Skin staples are usually removed after 10-14 days with minimal discomfort.
Most people heal quite well from ankle fractures, and I wish you the same.

Sincerely,

Dr. N. Rahamimov