The isolated posterior malleolar fracture and syndesmotic instability: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

HighlightsAn isolated fracture of the posterior malleolus can be a sign of a more complex injury.A posterior malleolar fracture can be associated with other ligamentous and syndesmotic injuries or other lower leg fractures.An isolated posterior malleolar fracture can easily be missed on plain radiographs.Diagnostic work-up of an isolated posterior malleolar fracture includes a CT-scan.If diagnosed and treated properly, it has a good long-term functional outcome.

Isolated Posterior Malleolar Fracture: A Case Report of a Rare Presentation With Narrative Review of Literature

“…They are innocuous-looking injuries presenting as simple ankle sprains with grave implications and poor outcomes [10]. The injuries are often missed, detected late, or neglected [1,4,10,11].…”

“…They are innocuous-looking injuries presenting as simple ankle sprains with grave implications and poor outcomes [ 10 ]. The injuries are often missed, detected late, or neglected [ 1 , 4 , 10 , 11 ]. Even Ottawa ankle rules lack a description of specific tender points for suspect PMF [ 12 ].…”

Anatomy, Classification, and Management of Ankle Fractures Involving the Posterior Malleolar Fragment: A Literature Review

“…Figure and caption reprinted with permission from Golano et al 22 with rough estimates in the literature of between 1% to 4% of all ankle fractures. 12,59 The mechanism of injury is unclear for these types of isolated fractures, but is likely either due to hyperflexion of the ankle or a significant vertical loading force.…”

Maisonneuve fracture: a type of ankle fracture

“…Plain, full-length tibial and fibular radiography revealed an oblique fracture through the proximal diaphysis of the left fibula (figure 1). Maisonneuve fracture typically involves deltoid ligament rupture, tibiofibular ligament disruption and a spiral fracture of the proximal fibula 1. Syndesmosis injuries involve multiple ligaments between the distal tibia and fibula; restoring their association is key to effective treatment 2.…”

“…Maisonneuve fracture typically involves deltoid ligament rupture, tibiofibular ligament disruption and a spiral fracture of the proximal fibula. 1 Syndesmosis injuries involve multiple ligaments between the distal tibia and fibula; restoring their association is key to effective treatment. 2 Because delayed surgical intervention prolongs ankle pain, open reduction and internal fixation are generally performed.…”