One hundred and fifteen patients with Lauge-Hansen supination external rotation type 2-4 ankle fractures and scheduled for surgical intervention were randomized to receive 6 weeks of unprotected non-weightbearing, protected weightbearing or unprotected weightbearing following surgery. The primary outcome of interest was the Olerud Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Secondary outcomes of interest included health-related quality of life on the Short Form 36 version 2 (SF-36v2), time to return to work, time to return to sport and the incidence of complications. Follow up occurred up to 1 year post-operation. Results of the study found significant differences among the three group in OMAS scores at 6 weeks, as well as the time to return to work and sport, in favour of the unprotected weightbearing group. No significant differences in OMAS scores at 12 weeks, 6 months or 1 year, SF-36 scores at 12 weeks or 1 year, or complication rate were observed between the three groups.