Orif or not? x-ray: oblique fracture in distal fibula to outer corner of mortise joint w less than 3 mm displacement no effusion mortise seems intact

Depends: If it is really an isolated fibula fracture, they usually do not need surgery. Sometimes, however, the fibula fracture will be associated wth a complete tear of the deltoid ligament on the inside of the ankle. In that case, the talus will sometimes start to drift laterally and surgery is required to prevent post traumatic arthritis and instability in the ankle. Follow up with orthopedic surgeon