It is common practice to restrict weight bearing after ankle fracture open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) until week 6 postoperatively. However, controversy exists surrounding the optimal postoperative protocol. At our institution, all ankle fractures are made non-weight bearing for 6 weeks across the board. Isolated lateral malleolar fractures after ORIF may benefit from earlier weight bearing in terms of patient satisfaction, short-term functionality, and return to work. The purpose of this study is to determine if early weight bearing at 2 weeks postoperatively for isolated lateral malleolar fractures leads to a higher satisfaction with surgery as compared to standard protocol for postoperative ankle fractures and better functional outcomes

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult patients (age>18) undergoing surgical treatment for isolated lateral malleolar fracture with foot and ankle surgeons at the Rothman Orthopaedic Institute

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients requiring other fracture fixation, deltoid ligament repair, or syndesmosis fixation
• Revision ankle fracture cases
• Pre-existing impaired mobility,
• Pre-existing cognitive disability,
• Open fractures,
• BMI >40,
• Diabetes mellitus (DM)