Abstract: Objective To investigate the management of ankle fracture with surgery and postoperative rehabilitation.Methods The data of 39 inpatients with ankle fracture from 2001 to 2005 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were treated surgically with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) except one medial ankle fracture with closed reduction. All patients were encouraged to perform active and passive range of motion exercises of ankle and the involved limb on the 2nd day after surgery, and partial weight-bearing was allowed at 4th week after surgery.Results No patients had wound-healing problems and deep venous thrombosis, no significant calf muscle atrophy exist at discharging. 29 patients showed excellent ankle joint function and normal gait when the internal fixation was removed at an average 17.9 postoperative months.Conclusion The surgery combined with early rehabilitation used for ankle fracture can improve the recovery of ankle function.

Key words: ankle fracture, treatment, operation, rehabilitation