I would like to know what would give me less amount of disability having a cast or having orif surgery for a broken fibula/ ankle?

Do you mean: Down time? It really depends on what the issue is. Orif seldom fail and heal within 6-8 weeks. In a cast we can't estimate time of healing, we have to take x-rays every two weeks to see if its healing. My preference for displaced fracture is orif. I think it is more predictable.

ORIF: Orif will get you the closest back to a normal condition.

Depends on displacem: Depends on how much displacement of the fracture. If over 2mm of displacement and at level of the ankle joint or above orif would be beneficial.