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Home/Patient Education/Fractures/Adult Fractures/Maisonneuve Injury
Fracture Care · Adult · Leg and Ankle

Maisonneuve Injury

The ankle injury may be more important than the proximal fibula fracture that draws attention.

This page explains how a maisonneuve injury is commonly managed, in plain language, based on Dr. Kee's typical approach to this injury.

Body Region
Leg and Ankle
Age Group
Adult
Treatment
Variable
Expected Bone Healing
Typically several months depending on syndesmotic injury and fixation.

Every fracture is different. Treatment varies based on the exact fracture pattern, displacement, age, whether surgery is needed, bone quality, other injuries, and how an individual heals. This page is general education, not your personal treatment plan — always follow the specific instructions given to you by Dr. Kee's office.

Table of Contents
What Is This Injury?

The ankle injury may be more important than the proximal fibula fracture that draws attention.

Bone Doc Tip

Always examine the entire fibula in a suspicious ankle injury.

How Is It Treated?

This fracture may be treated with or without surgery, depending on the specific fracture pattern, how much the bone has shifted (displacement), and your individual situation. Your surgeon will determine the best approach for you.

Brace, Cast, Splint, or Sling

Long-leg or short-leg immobilization depending on associated injury while awaiting definitive evaluation.

Walking or Using the Injured Limb

Non-weight bearing.

For a full explanation of what these weight-bearing terms mean, see our Weight-Bearing Guide.

When Does Motion Begin?

No ankle loading; maintain toe motion.

Physical Therapy

Postoperative rehabilitation per fixation.

Follow-Up and Imaging

Urgent orthopedic evaluation.

Recovery Timeline
Short AnswerRecovery generally moves through protection, motion, weight-bearing, strengthening, and return to activity — at a pace your surgeon sets for your specific fracture.

Every fracture moves through the same general phases, though the exact timing is different for every patient:

1
Injury or Surgery
The fracture occurs, or is surgically stabilized if your surgeon recommends fixation.
2
Early Protection
Long-leg or short-leg immobilization depending on associated injury while awaiting definitive evaluation.
3
Begin Motion
No ankle loading; maintain toe motion.
4
Progress Use / Weight Bearing
Non-weight bearing.
5
Strengthening
Physical therapy often helps rebuild strength once your surgeon confirms it's safe to begin.
6
Return to Activity
Return to work, school, driving, and sports is guided by your surgeon as healing progresses.
Return to Activity

Work or School: Modified duty until stable healing and gait recovery.

Sports or High-Risk Activity: Return after union, syndesmotic healing, and functional testing.

Watch For — Specific to This Injury

Mortise widening, proximal fibula fracture with ankle pain, deltoid injury, open injury, skin threat, or neurovascular deficit.

General Warning Signs — When to Call

  • Increasing pain that isn't controlled by your prescribed plan
  • New numbness or weakness
  • Fingers or toes that become pale, blue, cold, or very swollen
  • A cast or splint that becomes excessively tight, wet, damaged, or foul-smelling
  • New drainage, spreading redness, fever, or wound concerns

See our full When to Call page for the difference between routine office contact and emergency evaluation.

Chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms of a possible blood clot, or any life-threatening emergency — call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will I be in a cast, splint, or brace for a maisonneuve injury?

Long-leg or short-leg immobilization depending on associated injury while awaiting definitive evaluation.

When can I return to work, school, driving, or sports after a maisonneuve injury?

Your surgeon will guide when it's safe to return to these activities based on how your specific fracture is healing. Follow the instructions given specifically to you.

Will I need another surgery to remove hardware?

Per fixation.

Still Have Questions?

Every fracture heals differently. If you have questions about your treatment plan, reach out to Dr. Kee's office.

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