Ankle sprains and fractures in adults.

The orthopaedic nurse will undoubtedly care for patients with ankle injuries. Ankle sprains and fractures are common injuries seen in orthopaedic practices in the United States. To provide comprehensive nursing care of these injuries, nurses should understand ankle biomechanics as well as anatomy. Knowledge of fracture classification schemes, pathology of injury, and treatment modalities is also important. Fracture classification schemes vary as do treatment modalities. Ankle sprains and fractures can be treated operatively or nonoperatively, and orthopaedic nurses play an important role in the care of patients with such ankle injuries.