Why is there a risk of ankle arthritis after experiencing a tibial fracture close to the ankle? and what is an ankle arthritis?

Risk with high enrgy: Arthritis, ankle or anywhere else, is damage to the cartilage surface of the joint. If the fracture split into the joint and the surface is gapped or has a step-off of more than 2mm then you are at higher risk. The higher the force that creates the fracture, the more risk to the cartilage cells over time.

Anytime: There is a major injury near or at a joint you run the risk of arthritis. Arthritis come s in many different forms but generally it is loss of cartilage and loss of rom. Pain and inflamation of the joint occurs as well.